City Council Committees

SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AGENDA for Monday, November 6, 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 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Formula Program: Local Solicitation 1 Brian Whipple FY 2023 (Dept. of Justice) 2 BJA FY2023 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Brian Whipple 3 Discussion – Replacing Current Traffic Signal Carl Williams City Development & Planning 1 Follow-up: ARPA Contracts Alexandria Carver 2 Duryee Community Foundation Alexandria Carver Authorize a Change Order to the Contract for the “Michigan Avenue Baseball Field Wall” to Chris Wallin 3 James H. Maloy, Inc. in the Amount of $90,000.00 4 CR – Breast Cancer Awareness Carmel Patrick 5 CR – Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner Doreen Ditoro 6 CR – Recognizing Capri Imports on their 50th Anniversary Doreen Ditoro 7 Reminder – Presentation of the Schenectady Hardware and Electric CR Marion Porterfield 8 Discussion – Amelia Paper Street Maurice Brown, III 9 Sale of Vacant Lot, Amelia Street (49.77-1-13) Maurice Brown, III 10 Sale of 15 Landon Terrace, Vacant Lot Maurice Brown, III 11 Sale of 818 Congress Street, Vacant Lot Maurice Brown, III 12 Sale of 1005 Congress Street Andrew Koldin Finance 1 CPH – DSAD Budget John Mootooveren 2 CPH – Upper Union Street Business Improvement District Budget John Mootooveren 3 Discussion – 2024 Operating Budget John Mootooveren Friday, November 03, 2023 1  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: November 6th, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Assistant Chief Brian Whipple SUBJECT: Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Formula Program: Local Solicitation FY 2023 (Dept. of Justice) TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF: November 6th, 2023 Background Information: The City and County of Schenectady have received notification that we are eligible to jointly receive funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistant Grant (JAG) Formula Program through the Department of Justice. Under this grant, the Police Department and District Attorney's office must submit a joint application outlining initiatives/programs that will further the Department’s mission in preventing or reducing crime. Under this year’s JAG program (FY 2023) the City and County are eligible to share $46,314.00. After discussions between the Police Department and the DA's office, it is recommended to spend the funding in the following manner:  $23,157 to fund a portion of the DA's office Confidential Investigator position (see attached narrative);  $23,157 towards the purchase of a mobile license plate reader, covert cameras, and night vision capabilities for patrol officers Overview of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistant Grant Program: The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system, from multijurisdictional drug and gang task forces to crime prevention and domestic violence programs, courts, corrections, 2 treatment, and justice information sharing initiatives. JAG funded projects may address crime through the provision of services directly to individuals and/or communities and by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of criminal justice systems, processes, and procedures. The grant requires no financial match by the City of Schenectady. Recommendation: Acceptance of the grant by the City Council. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: Assistant Chief Brian Whipple 3  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: November 6th, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Assistant Chief Brian Whipple SUBJECT: BJA FY2023 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF: November 6th, 2023 Background Information: The Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP), created by the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998, is a unique U.S. Department of Justice initiative designed to provide a critical resource to state and local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of purchasing bullet proof vests. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has awarded the Schenectady Police Department an award under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) solicitation. The FY 2023 award funds must be used to purchase National Institute of Justice (NIJ) compliant armored vests. A total of 52 bulletproof vests are scheduled to be purchased through this grant, with the City being responsible for 50% of the cost (total cost $34,844.42). The grant provides a total of $34,844.42 in grant funding. The grant requires a 50% match by the City of $34,844.42, covered within the Police Department’s operational budget. Recommendation: The Police Department recommends acceptance of this BJA grant award. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Assistant Chief Brian Whipple 4  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Public Safety Committee Date: Monday, November 06, 2023 From: Carl Williams Subject Discussion - Replacing Current Traffic Signal Background Info: Due to the absence of a turn signal at the Erie & Union left turning lane, drivers attempting to turn are required to make split second assessments under intense pressure from oncoming traffic and drivers waiting behind them. Evaluation/Analysis During periods of high traffic volume, drivers routinely have quick moments (when the light initially turns green and when the light transitions from yellow to red) to maintain the flow of traffic within this turn lane. Recommendation Friday, November 03, 2023 5  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, November 06, 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, November 03, 2023 6  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: 11/02/2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Director of Development Alexandria Carver SUBJECT: Duryee Community Foundation Background Information: Duryee received ARPA fund allocations in collaboration with the City of Schenectady Affirmative Action Empowerment Center. Evaluation/Analysis: Duryee Community Foundation submitted a standalone application for ARPA requesting $610,000. The foundation is currently providing employment and housing services in its current location. Recommendation: It is my recommendation to separate funds associated with the Empowerment Center in the amount of $610,000 allowing Duryee to move forward with servicing the community with the STEPS to Stability program. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY__________________________ 7  Legislative Request Form DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING CHRISTOPHER WALLIN, P.E., CITY ENGINEER COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: November 6, 2023 TO: City Council FROM: Christopher R. Wallin, P.E., City Engineer SUBJECT: Authorize a Change Order to the Contract for the “Michigan Avenue Baseball Field Wall” to James H. Maloy, Inc. in the amount of $90,000. TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF: November 13, 2023 Background Information: The Michigan Avenue youth baseball field is a historic location for the residents of Schenectady and has seen a rebirth over the past years due to a renewed commitment by the community and volunteers. As part of their master plan a retaining wall was requested to be constructed along Norwood Avenue which will serve two purposes. First and primary, it will allow the slope behind the existing left field bleachers to be graded making way for a future gathering space. Second it will allow them a place to honor past ballplayers that include the 1954 Little League World Series Champions. As such, the City awarded James H. Maloy, Inc. of Loudonville, NY a contract for the “Michigan Avenue Baseball Field Wall” in the amount of $83,950 with funding for this project to be charged through the ARPA funds previously allocated for this project. A change order in the amount of $5,000 was previously approved for more durable fencing with the total contract value to date of $88,950.00. Evaluation/Analysis: The original base bid construction for the Michigan Avenue Baseball Field Wall involved the installation of 115 linear feet of segmental block retaining wall that is 4’ high along with a 4’6” high, ornamental fence along the top of the wall. The alternate bid for this project included extending the wall and fence an extra 135’, but at the time of award it was decided that the extension was not necessary. However, now the City would now like to change the current contract to include this extension. The estimated cost for this 135- foot extension change order is $90,000. Recommendation: Authorize a Change Order to the contract with James H Maloy, Inc. for the "Michigan Avenue Baseball Field Wall" in the amount of $90,000 to be paid from allocated ARPA funds. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: Engineering CRW: cd 1 8  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Health & Recreation DATE: November 6, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Carmel Patrick SUBJECT: Breast Cancer Awareness CR Background Information: Although Breast Cancer Awareness Month is October, awareness of the cause and prevention of breast cancer remains important year-round. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: That the City Council pass a resolution raising awareness about Breast Cancer. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _____________________ 9  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: November 1, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Doreen Ditoro SUBJECT: Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner Background Information: The 10U team won the Capital District Pop Warner Super Bowl this past weekend and are moving on the the finals Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: Ceremonial Resolution to be presented LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 10  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: October 23, 2023 for October 30, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Doreen Ditoro SUBJECT: Ceremonial Resolution for Capri Imports Background Information: Capri Imports has been in business in the Bellevue Neighborhood for 50 years. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: The CR will be presented on November 13, 2023 at Capri Imports at 2617 Broadway. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Doreen M. Ditoro 11  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, November 06, 2023 From: Marion Porterfield Subject Reminder - presentation of the Schenectady Hardware and Electric CR Background Info: Resolution was passed on October 10, 2023. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, November 03, 2023 12  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 11/06/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Discussion Item- Amelia Paper Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 13  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 11/06/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, Amelia Street (49.77-1-13) Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 14  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 11/06/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 15 Landon Terrace Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 15  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 11/06/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 818 Congress Steet Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 16  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, November 06, 2023 From: Andrew Koldin Subject Sale of 1005 Congress Street Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, November 03, 2023 17  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Finance Committee Date: Monday, November 06, 2023 From: John Mootooveren Subject CPH - DSAD Budget Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Public hearing will be held on November 27, 2023. Friday, November 03, 2023 18  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Finance Committee Date: Monday, November 06, 2023 From: John Mootooveren Subject CPH - Upper Union Street Business Improvement District Budget Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Public hearing will be held on November 27, 2023. Friday, November 03, 2023 19  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Finance Committee Date: Monday, November 06, 2023 From: John Mootooveren Subject Discussion - 2024 Operating Budget Background Info: https://cityofschenectady.com/DocumentCenter/View/5077/2024-Proposed-Budget-9-29-23-v2-A Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, November 03, 2023 20