City Council Committees

SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AGENDA for Monday, October 10, 2023 5:30 p.m. Room 110 The Council President reserves the right to add or delete any agenda item prior to Committee Meeting. Claims 1 Michelle Sanchez et al. vs. City of Schenectady et al. Andrew Koldin Presentation 1 BCNI - Hamilton Hill Infill Project Alexandria Carver 2 COCOA House – ARPA Application Amendment Alexandria Carver Public Safety 1 Opioid Settlement Funds Eric Clifford 2 FY2023 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP) Eric Clifford 3 “Police Traffic Services Program” Grant NYS Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) Eric Clifford 4 Grant Award – Law Enforcement Equipment Eric Clifford 5 Grant Award – NYS Companion Animal Capital Fund Grant Michael Dalton Finance Reminder – The 2024 Operating Budget and Capital Budget for the City of Schenectady (PH John Mootooveren 1 will be on 10-10-2023) City Development & Planning 1 Follow-up: ARPA Contracts Alexandria Carver Authorize the Issuance of Revocable Permit No. 678 to The Shaker & Vine for a Sign that Will Chris Wallin 2 Overhang the City’s Right-of-Way at 221 Harborside Drive 3 Update: Zoning for Cannabis Dispensaries and Smoke and Vape Shops Marion Porterfield Discussion – Establishing a Six-Month Moratorium on the Submission and Processing of Marion Porterfield 4 Building Permits, Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Use and Land Use Approvals for “Smoke Shops, Vape Shops, and Tobacco or Vape Consumption Business” Discussion – the Process to Handle Outstanding Accounts in the Best Interest of the City from Marion Porterfield 5 Mortgages Assigned to the City from the Schenectady Local Development Corporation (SLDC) Reminder - Amending 248-18 of the City Code to Designate Jay Street, from Liberty Street to Marion Porterfield 6 Union Street, a Two-Way Street (PH will be on 10-09-23) 7 CR – Hartz Family Cleaners Doreen Ditoro 8 CR – Recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month Carmel Patrick 9 CR – Schenectady Hardware & Electric 100th Anniversary Marion Porterfield 10 CR – Italian-American Heritage Month John Polimeni 11 Sale of 836 Davis Terrace, Vacant Lot Maurice Brown, III 12 Sale of 913 Francis Avenue Maurice Brown, III 13 Sale of 921 Congress Street Maurice Brown, III 14 Sale of 3323 McDonald Avenue Maurice Brown, III Friday, September 29, 2023 1  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Claims Committee Date: Monday, October 02, 2023 From: Andrew Koldin Subject Michelle Sanchez et al. vs. City of Schenectady et al. Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, September 29, 2023 2  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: 09/28/23 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Director of Development Alexandria Carver SUBJECT: BCNI ARPA Hamilton Hill Infill Presentation Background Information: BCNI would like to present on progress of project to support extension request. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY__________________________ 3  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: 09/28/23 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Director of Development Alexandria Carver SUBJECT: COCOA House Background Information: COCOA House would like to present supporting details for amendment request previously submitted. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY__________________________ 4  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Public Safety DATE: October 2nd, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Chief Eric Clifford SUBJECT: Opioid Settlement Funds Background Information: New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports has awarded the City of Schenectady $77,433. These settlement funds will be used to support individuals in need in conjunction with the Schenectady County Hub. The funds will be used for temporary housing ($70,433), transportation ($3,000), and awareness ($4,000). There are no matching funds required. Recommendation: The Police Department recommends acceptance of the Opioid Settlement Funds. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: Assistant Chief Brian Whipple 5  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: October 2, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Chief Eric Clifford SUBJECT: FY2023 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP) TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF: October 2nd, 2023 Background Information: The NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) provides funding to municipalities through the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP). The grant application was prepared by the Capital District Urban Area Working Group (UAWG) which represents Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Cities and Counties. The City of Schenectady Police Department is the recipient of a portion of the grant in the amount of $201,831.00. These funds will be used as follows:  $165,233 will be used for mobile computers, interoperable communications equipment, and cameras for physical security enhancements within the City.  $21,598 for the maintenance costs with geospatial software.  $15,000 for training costs involved in active shooters and other mass incidents. The funding period is 9/1/2023 through 8/31/2026. There is no match required by the City. Recommendation/Action The Police Department recommends acceptance of this Homeland Security grant award. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: Assistant Chief Brian Whipple 6 7 8 9  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Public Safety DATE: October 2nd, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Chief Eric Clifford SUBJECT: “Police Traffic Services Program” Grant NYS Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF: October 2nd, 2023 Background Information: The NYS, Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, Department of Motor Vehicle has awarded the City of Schenectady Police Department $46,000 (see award letter for budget breakdown) to participate in the statewide “Police Traffic Services Program”. This program aims to increase seat belt usage and reduce aggressive driving behaviors to reduce serious injury and death from traffic crashes. Enforcement shall be scheduled through the Police Department’s Traffic Division. Funds shall be used to support the mission of the Police Traffic Services Program. The effective date of the grant is October 1st, 2023- Sept 30th, 2024. There is no match required. Recommendation/Action The Police Department recommends acceptance of this GTSC grant award. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: Assistant Chief Brian Whipple 10  September 18, 2023 Adam Nowicki Lieutenant Schenectady City Police Department 531 Liberty Street Schenectady, NY 12305-2029 Re: PTS-2024-Schenectady City PD -00077-(047) Police Traffic Services T007054 CFDA #: 20.600 EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2023 Dear Lieutenant Adam Nowicki: On behalf of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, I am pleased to notify you that the Schenectady City Police Department has been awarded a total of $46,000 to participate in the statewide Police Traffic Services Program. Our goal is to increase seat belt usage and reduce dangerous driving behaviors in an effort to reduce serious injury and death from traffic crashes. A breakdown of your grant award amount is as follows: Category Award Amount Seat Belt Mobilization Enforcement $6,700 Regular PTS Enforcement $37,520 Other Than Personal Services $1,780 Grand Total $46,000 Before incurring any project related expenses, login to eGrants to review your approved budget as it may have been reduced or otherwise changed from what was requested. Crucial documents regarding your grant, the claims process, equipment, and other grant related topics can be found by visiting https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/highway-safety-grant-program#grant-award. Attached to this email are the contract and a signatory page with instructions. Please follow the instructions to facilitate the prompt processing of your contract. The contract will only be effective after the Signature page has been signed by the County, City, Town, or Village, and notarized, then returned to, and signed by, the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Please note the following requirement: Payment for claims submitted under this grant award shall be rendered electronically in accordance with the Office of the State Comptroller's procedures and practices governing electronic payment unless payment by paper check is expressly authorized by the head of the State Agency, in his or her sole discretion after the Contractor establishes extenuating circumstances requiring payment by paper check. 11 Thank you for participating in this very important statewide enforcement program. I wish you success in your efforts. If you have any questions, please contact the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee at (518) 474-5111. Sincerely, Justin O’Connor Director CRD:bp Enclosure cc: Anthony Ferrrari Brian Whipple 12  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Public Safety DATE: October 2nd, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Chief Eric Clifford SUBJECT: Grant Award – Law Enforcement Equipment Background Information: New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) has awarded the City of Schenectady Police Department $168,145 to purchase new holsters that will be compatible with new firearms and modular optic systems. Funding will be used to purchase: Holsters Flashlights Optic Mounting Plates Modular Optic Systems There are no matching funds required. Recommendation: The Police Department recommends acceptance of the Law Enforcement Equipment Grant. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: Assistant Chief Brian Whipple 13  KATHY HOCHUL ROSSANA ROSADO DEAN DEFRUSCIO Governor Commissioner Deputy Commissioner Grant Award Notice Grantee/Contractor: Date: City of Schenectady Police Department 9/14/23 Program Name: Award Amount: Law Enforcement Equipment $168,1451 Signatory Name and Title: Brian Whipple, Assistant Term Dates: Chief TBD Email: Contract Number: C637682 bwhipple@schenectadyny.gov Program Description: To support the purchase of new holsters that will be compatible with new firearms and Modular Optic Systems. The following additional information is provided as required when grants are supported with federal funding: Federal Award Identification Information Award Name: New York State FY 2019 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Application Federal Award Number: 2019-DJ-BX-0017 Name of the Federal Award Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Federal Award Lapse Date: 9/30/2025 Total Amount of Federal Award: $ 8,576,883 Federal Fiscal Year of Funds: FFY 19 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Title and Number: 16.738 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program Grant Questions Primary Contact Secondary Contact Meagan Armstrong, Public Safety Grants Representative Joe Lostritto, Public Safety Grants Representative NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services Office of Program Development and Funding Office of Program Development and Funding Phone: 518.485.5569 Phone: 518.485.7662 Email: meagan.armstrong@dcjs.ny.gov Email: joe.lostritto@dcjs.ny.gov 1 The award amount listed above is contingent upon the completion and submission (as applicable) of all contractual obligations as well as approval by the NYS Division of Budget and execution of the grant contract by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller. This funding is provided by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) with federal funds through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Grantees receiving these funds will be subject to federal rules, regulations, and reporting requirements. Thank you for all the work you do. We look forward to working with you in our continued efforts to safeguard the health and safety of all New York residents and visitors. 80 South Swan Street, Albany, New York 12210 │ 518-457-8462 │www.criminaljustice.ny.gov 14  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Public Safety DATE: October 2nd, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Lt. Michael Dalton SUBJECT: Grant Award – NYS Companion Animal Capital Fund Grant Background Information: New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets has awarded the City of Schenectady $200,000 for renovations within the City of Schenectady Animal Shelter. The funds will be used for facility repairs and upgrades or outfitting a new shelter building. The funding would be used for air quality equipment and secure animal areas. There is a 25% match required. Recommendation: The Police Department recommends acceptance of the Companion Animal Capital Fund Grant. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: Assistant Chief Brian Whipple 15 16  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Finance Committee Date: Monday, October 02, 2023 From: John Mootooveren Subject Reminder - CPH for the 2024 Operating Budget and Capital Budget for the City of Schenectady (PH on 10-10-2023) Background Info: Public Hearing will be held on October 10, 2023. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Link to the budget can be found online on the City's website: https://cityofschenectady.com/DocumentCenter/View/5077/2024-Proposed-Budget-9-29-23-v2-A Friday, September 29, 2023 17  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, October 02, 2023 From: Alexandria Carver Subject Follow-up: ARPA Contracts Background Info: This is a follow-up from December 5, 2022. This discussion is to get an update on time-line for letters of commitments, contracts that were fully funded, and those that have contingencies and what the contingencies are, and the release of funds. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, September 29, 2023 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: October 2, 2023 TO: City Council Members FROM: Council President Marion Porterfield SUBJECT: Update - Zoning for Cannabis dispensaries and Smoke and Vape shops Background Information: The City Code as it is currently written does not include zoning for Cannabis dispensaries and Smoke and Vape shops. . Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: Discussion of changing the code to include these uses. WILL BE PREPARED BY_______________________________________ 26  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, October 02, 2023 From: Marion Porterfield Subject Discussion - Establishing a Six-Month Maratorium on the Submission and Processing of Building Permits, Certificates or Occupancy, Certificates of Use and Land Use Approvals for "Smoke Shops, Vape Shops, and Tobacco or Vape Consumption Businesses" Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, September 29, 2023 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: October 2, 2023 TO: City Council Members FROM: Council President Marion Porterfield SUBJECT: Discussion Amendment to resolution 2013-144 Background Information: The Schenectady Local Development Corporation (SLDC), chartered in 1978 to benefit small business in the City of Schenectady and was dissolved in 2014. At the time of dissolution, the SLDC had assets, various mortgages and accounts that must be assigned; and the City had an interest in assuring that said mortgages and accounts are properly administered: A resolution was passed that the City Council, would accept the assignment of mortgages and accounts from the SLDC pursuant to such terms and conditions as the Corporation Counsel deems appropriate; and that the Mayor was authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate the assignment contemplated herein. Evaluation/Analysis: The duties related to handling accounts previously under SLDC are administrative. The City Council can make does not have the capacity to manage these accounts or collect any outstanding monies due. Recommendation: That resolution 2013-144 be amended to transfer the duties of the former SLDC to the City of Schenectady to handle any outstanding accounts and began collection of any monies due. WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________ 37  a~, TE~~ CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY,NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO.: 2013- 144 Councilmember Ms. rerazzo offered the following: A Resolution Accepting an Assignment of Various Mortgages and Accounts from SLDC Pursuant to Its Dissolution. WHEREAS, the Schenectady Local Development Corporation (SLDC),chartered in 1978 to benefit small business in the City of Schenectady is now in the process of disolving; and WHEREAS, the SLDC has as assets various mortgages and accounts that must be assigned; and WHEREAS, the City has an interest in assuring that said mortgages and accounts aze properly administered: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council, hereby agrees to accept the assignment of mortgages and accounts from the SLDC pursuant to such terms and conditions as the Corporation Counsel deems appropriate; and it is further RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate the assignment contemplated herein. as to form this adapter una~ p{~- tmbecs oi ~„ ZO suµ4~let ~ a ~,~ MsY~ ---- 38  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, October 02, 2023 From: Marion Porterfield Subject Reminder - Amending 248-18 of the City Code to Designate Jay Street, from Liberty Street to Union Street, a Two-Way Street (PH on 10-09-2023) Background Info: Public hearing will be held on October 9, 2023. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Jay Street is an existing one-way public road that runs from Franklin Street to Union Street. As part of the City’s plan to better connect the downtown with neighboring business communities such as Little Italy (North Jay Street) and Mohawk Harbor the City received both Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP) funding and Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) funding. The PSAP funding allowed for the improvement and replacement of select traffic signals in the downtown area, primarily around City Hall, while the DRI funding will connect the dead end of North Jay Street to Nott Street. With the PSAP project substantially completed the City is able to convert the section of Jay Street between Liberty Street and Union Street to two-way. The modification of Jay Street from one-way to two-way will promote better traffic flow within the City and connect downtown with the neighboring business communities. Friday, September 29, 2023 39  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: September 28, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Doreen Ditoro SUBJECT: CR for Hartz Family Cleaners Background Information: Retiring after 25 years of service to the community. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: For a later date presentation. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Doreen Ditoro 40  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, October 02, 2023 From: Carmel Patrick Subject CR - Recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month Background Info: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation The City is committed to increasing public awareness of domestic violence and its prevalence, and to eliminating it through prevention and education. Friday, September 29, 2023 41  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, October 02, 2023 From: Marion Porterfield Subject CR - Schenectady Hardware & Electric Background Info: Schenectady Hardware & Electric (SHE) will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary in Schenectady. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation City Council recognize their 100th anniversary. Friday, September 29, 2023 42  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Administrative Efficiency DATE: Sept 28, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: John Polimeni SUBJECT: CR Italian-American Heritage Month Background Information: October is Italian-American Heritage Month Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 43  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 10/02/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 836 Davis Terrace Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 44  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 10/02/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of 913 Francis Avenue Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 45  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 10/02/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of 921 Congress Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 46  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 10/02/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of 3323 McDonald Avenue Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 47