City Council Committees

SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AGENDA for Monday, September 16, 2024 5:30 p.m. Room 110 The Council President reserves the right to add or delete any agenda item prior to Committee Meeting. Presentation 1 Survey Announcement - Water Department Paul Lafond Public Safety 1 Discussion – Traffic Safety Measures within the City of Schenectady Carmel Patrick 2 Discussion – Amend City Code Chapter 182 (Noise) Carl Williams 3 Appointment of Anthony Judd to the Civilian Police Review Board (CPRB) Gary McCarthy Finance 1 2024-2025 Final Annual Action Plan Allocation Revised Alexandria Carver 2 Police Department Fees / Revenue Brian Whipple Review – Collecting Feedback from City Residents on our CDBG-CV Funding to Prevent, John Mootooveren 3 Prepare for, and Respond to Coronavirus Projects (PH was on 09-09-2024) City Development & Planning ABAC – for the “Schenectady City Hall Ventilation Replacement – MC Rebid” to RMB Chris Wallin 1 Mechanical, Inc. in the Amount of $180,000.00 ABAC – for the “Watt Street & Carrie Street Park Improvements” to Carver Construction Chris Wallin 2 Group. LLC in the Amount of $153,145.00 ABAC – for the “Schenectady Fire Station #1 HVAC & Generator Upgrades – General Chris Wallin 3 Construction – Rebid #2” to MJG Construction, Inc. in the Amount of $197,000.00 4 CR – Recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month Marion Porterfield CR – Recognizing Schenectady Business & Professional Women’s Club Member, Jennifer Marion Porterfield 5 Hendricks-Fogg Reminder – Ceremonial Renaming of a Portion of Barrett Street from Huron Street to the John Mootooveren 6 Intersection of South Avenue to Marlene Hill Way (PH will be on 09-23-2024) 7 Sale of a Vacant Lot at 6 Landon Terrace Maurice Brown, III 8 Sale of 442 Plymouth Avenue Maurice Brown, III 9 Sale of 956 Strong Street Maurice Brown, III 10 Sale of 1243 Parkwood Boulevard Maurice Brown, III Maurice Brown, III 1 Working Draft: The City Council of the City of Schenectady, in regular meeting convened, ordains as follows: Section 1. Purpose: To amend Section 248-11 of Chapter 248, Article II of the Schenectady City Code to add a new paragraph N. The City of Schenectady wishes to address traffic safety by installing traffic calming measures on City streets to reduce speeds on designated public streets as identified by the City Engineer and the Schenectady City Council. Section 2. Section 248-11Matters under authority of City Engineer. Under the authority of § 1603, Subdivision (a), of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, the City Engineer is authorized to issue rules and regulations pertaining to the following traffic and parking matters: A. Crosswalks, safety zones, traffic lanes, traffic control signals and traffic control devices. (1) The maintenance by appropriate means of crosswalks at intersections and such other places on roadways as he finds necessary to protect pedestrians. (2) The establishment of safety zones for the protection of pedestrians. (3) The designation of lanes of traffic on street pavements. (4) The installation, removal or relocation of traffic control signals and traffic control devices for expediting traffic movement and promoting traffic safety. B. Turn prohibitions and place markers indicating method of turns. The placement of markers, buttons or signs within or adjacent to intersections indicating the course to be traveled by vehicles turning at the intersection. C. Right, left and U-turns. The determination of those intersections at which drivers of vehicles may not make a right, left or U-turn. D. Zones of quiet and play streets. (1) The establishment of permanent zones of quiet in the vicinity of hospitals and similar institutions justifying quiet. (2) The establishment of a temporary zone of quiet upon a street where a person is seriously ill but only if requested so to do by the written statement of at least one registered physician certifying its necessity. The temporary zone of quiet is to embrace all territory within a radius of 200 feet of the building occupied by the person named in the request. (3) The designation of part or all of a street as a play street. E. Loading zones. The designation of passenger zones and freight loading zones and the hours during which the designation is applicable. F. Public carrier stands. The establishment of bus stops, taxicab stands and stands for other passenger common-carrier motor vehicles for the convenience 2of the public. G. Limited truck traffic. The designation of a street as one on which heavy truck traffic is prohibited either because of the condition of the street or the need to protect the residential character of a neighborhood. H. Certain parking limitations. (1) The prohibition or limitation of parking upon that side of a street adjacent to school property, hotels, churches, hospitals, funeral homes or other public or semipublic buildings. (2) The authorization of some form of all-night parking on streets or portions of streets in residential sections of the City where available off-street parking spaces are inadequate. (3) The authorization of angle parking on designated streets or portions of streets. (4) The prohibition of stopping, standing or parking of vehicles at designated places. (5) The limitation on the length of time that a vehicle may park in a space for parking. I. Light traffic streets. The designation of streets or portions of streets as light traffic streets and the determination of restrictions on the use of a street so designated. J. Speed regulations. The determination of speed limits on City streets. K. Through highways. The designation of through highways. L. Pedestrian crossings. The designation of areas or crosswalks not to be used by pedestrians. M. Emergency and experimental regulations. (1) The issuance of temporary regulations to cover emergencies or special conditions. (2) The issuance of temporary rules to regulate traffic or to test traffic control signals or traffic control devices under actual conditions of traffic. No such rule may remain in effect for more than 90 days unless the City Council by resolution approves an extension of the rule for an additional period not exceeding 90 days. N. 1. The City Engineer is authorized to install traffic calming measures on designated public streets upon review of traffic patterns and studies and as identified by the City Council. Such traffic calming devices shall include, but shall not be limited to, traffic speed bumps, speed humps, red light cameras and school zone speed cameras. 2. The City Engineer is authorized to issue such regulations and guidance to implement the placement of such traffic calming measures. Such regulations and guidance shall be updated as necessary and provided to the City Council 30 days prior to implementation. Section 3. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately. New Language is underlined and highlighted. 3  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: August 29, 2024 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Councilman Carl Williams SUBJECT: Amend City Code Chapter 182 (Noise) Background Information: Noise complaints have been on the rise and continue to disrupt the quality of life for our residents. Evaluation/Analysis: Partner with Law Department and Police Department to identify appropriate solutions to address this chronic issue throughout the city. Recommendation: Review penalties, times when sound reproduction is deemed unreasonable, and discuss potential noise permits. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: LAW DEPARTMENT 4  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Public Safety DATE: September 9, 204 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Gary McCarthy SUBJECT: Appointment for CPRB Background Information: CPRB has been struggling to meet a quorum for meetings and needs members. Evaluation/Analysis: Anthony Judd was recommended by Deneen Palmateer, the Chair. Recommendation: Approve Appointment of Anthony Judd Jr. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 5  CITY OF SCHENECTADY 2024 CONSOLIDATED PLAN SUMMARY Budgetary allocations are subject to change based on final HUD Allocations FUNDING Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) New Fiscal Year $ 2,101,045.00 Program Income - TOTAL $ 2,101,045.00 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) $ 184,779.00 TOTAL $ 184,779.00 HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) New Fiscal Year $ 1,093,420.20 Program Income - TOTAL $ 1,093,420.20 TOTAL AVAILABLE FUNDING $ 3,379,244.20 CATEGORY ALLOCATIONS Emergency Solutions Activities…...… $ 170,920.58 $ 170,920.58 from ESG Housing Assistance Activities……………… $ 1,238,546.20 $ 1,038,546.20 from HOME $ 200,000.00 from CDBG Public Service Activities……...………..… $ 566,040.00 $ 566,040.00 from CDBG Public Works Activities……………………. $ 925,005.00 $ 925,005.00 from CDBG Administration…………………………… $ 478,732.42 $ 54,874.00 from HOME $ 410,000.00 from CDBG $ 13,858.42 from ESG TOTAL: …………………………………. $3,379,244.20 6  2024 EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT ALLOCATIONS = 170,920.58 Funding Requested 2024 Proposed Organization Project Description 2023 Final Plan Source Amount Plan Funds will be used for salaries/fringes and non-personnel Homeless Housing costs providing intake, assessment, referral, follow-up case and Eviction Bethesda House Inc. management, and assertive outreach services to secure ESG $65,000.00 $40,000.00 $44,400.00 Prevention permanent housing, regain housing, or maintain housing Program for the homeless population citywide. Funds will be used for salaries/fringes and non-personnel costs for the Day Program Drop-In Center, providing ESG Bethesda House Inc. Day Drop In Center $55,000.00 $20,000.00 $21,700.00 comprehensive services to the homeless, disabled and (Renewal) disadvantaged populations citywide. CARES Planning Funds will be used to support planning activities for the ESG $15,000.00 $4,920.58 - Project Schenectady Continuum of Care. CARES, Inc. Homeless Funds will be used to provide administrative/personnel Management and CARES, Inc. costs and software licenses for the HUD mandated ESG $13,000.00 $11,000.00 $19,700.00 Information Homeless Management and Information System (HMIS). System (HMIS) Funds will be used for salaries/fringes of the House Manager and Street Outreach Worker and rent and utilities McIntosh House for Safe House, a temporary emergency shelter for Safe, Inc. (formerly Safe ESG $75,000.00 $40,000.00 $32,900.00 runaway and homeless youths 16-20 years old, primarily House) serving the Hamilton Hill/Central State Street neighborhoods. Homeless Funds will be used for personnel program delivery costs of Schenectady Prevention and counselors and attorneys providing for court advocacy, Community Action ESG $90,000.00 $55,000.00 $54,300.00 Rapid Re-Housing legal assistance, rapid rehousing and tenant/landlord Program, Inc. (SCAP) Program services. Page Total $315,000.00 $170,920.58 $173,000.00 7  2024 HOUSING ASSISTANCE ALLOCATIONS = $1,238,546.20 Funding Requested 2024 Proposed Organization Project Description 2023 Final Plan Source Funding Plan Better Community Home Repair and Funds will be used to complete eight (8) units for low- and Neighborhoods, Inc. Rehabilitation CDBG $600,000.00 $200,000.00 $200,000.00 moderate-income homeowners with home rehabilitation (BCNI) Program and accessibility modification. Better Community Administrative/ Operating Costs related to providing Neighborhoods, Inc. HOME $50,000.00 $50,000.00 $27,000.00 affordable housing services in the City. (BCNI) Administrative/ Operating Costs Habitat of Humanity Funds will be used to complete 3 2-story houses on Rankin Three Houses on HOME $346,420.00 $207,128.04 of Schenectady Avenue for three low-income families. Rankin Avenue Home Funds will be used for capital improvements for residential Wildwood Programs, Improvements for group homes supporting people with disabilities in the City HOME $50,000.00 $50,000.00 - Inc. People with of Schenectady. Disabilities Tulip Place and Rose Corner Funds will be used to revitalize Barrett Street by constructing A.I.K. Property Affordable Housing a new 16-unit apartment building and 15 new affordable HOME $900,000.00 $184,710.00 Group, LLC Opportunity housing dwellings for low to moderate income families. Program Funds Obligated to the City of Troy as per the HOME Consortium Agreement Consortium 1. Admin: $43,736.80 HOME $437,368.00 $437,368.00 Agreement 2. CHDO: $165,000.00 City of Troy 3. HIP: $228,631.20 Funds Obligated to the Town of Colonie as per the HOME Consortium Agreement Consortium Town of Colonie 1. Admin: $10,934.20 HOME $109,342.00 $109,342.00 $124,353.90 Agreement 2. Homebuyer: $50,000 3. TBRA: $48,407.80 Page Total $2,493,130.00 $1,238,546.20 $351,353.90 8  2024 NRSA PUBLIC SERVICE ALLOCATIONS = $281,920.00 Funding Requested 2024 Proposed Organization Project Description 2023 Final Plan Source Funding Plan Empowerment Funds will be used to continue to build on efforts to create Affirmative Action Center Workforce economic opportunities for the community by offering CDBG $262,512.00 $75,000.00 $20,000.00 Office Development workforce training/capacity building for small businesses. Quackenbush, Hillhurst, Funds will be used for personnel and non-personnel costs Steinmetz Parks, for a comprehensive park program offering low- and Boys and Girls Club Front Street Pool moderate-income youth recreational/educational activities CDBG $103,451.00 $103,451.00 $100,000.00 of Schenectady Inc. Recreational and as positive alternatives to the many risk factors they face in Educational the community at City parks and the Front Street Pool Enrichment Funds will be used to support BCNI Housing Counseling BCNI Housing programs, including the Financial Confidence Series, Better Community Counseling and providing homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention CDBG $50,000.00 $50,000.00 $37,500.00 Neighborhoods, Inc Financial and related services to residents of CDBG-targeted Confidence Series neighborhoods in Schenectady. Capital District Employment and Continued funding of a part-time peer navigator position, Center for Workforce remaining stationed within the Independent Living Center CDBG $20,405.00 $13,469.00 - Independence Development office in Schenectady. Funds will be used to deliver free, quality programming to up to 200 children a year. Artreach runs 6 days a week delivering healthy, cultural activities to low-income children Hamilton Hill Drop-In Project ArtReach aged 5 to 18 located in the NRSA. Artreach provides a safe, CDBG $40,000.00 $40,000.00 $32,000.00 Arts & Craft supportive, creative and drug-free environment. A free daily snack is offered during the school year, and free lunch during the summer. Page Total $110,405.00 $281,920.00 $69,500.00 9  2024 PUBLIC SERVICE ALLOCATIONS = $284,120.00 Funding Requested 2024 Proposed 2023 Final Organization Project Description Source Funding Plan Plan Jerry Burrell Drop- Funds will be used for Jerry Burrell Park summer day and YMCA In Summer night programming consisting of arts and crafts, fitness, CDBG $34,120.00 $34,120.00 $18,000.00 Program nutrition, swimming lessons, sports, and education. Funds will provide collaborative community outreach Schenectady Neighborhood activities at locations throughout the City including housing Community Action CDBG $30,000.00 $30,000.00 $15,000.00 Outreach and resource navigation, crisis intervention, case Program Inc. management & access to employment readiness services. Funds will be utilized to provide support to a coalition of small, non-profits providing services and support to very Schenectady Ring of Schenectady Youth low-, low-and moderate-income youths ages 18 and under. CDBG $204,120.00 $150,000.00 $95,000.00 Hope, Inc. Coalition Participants will receive academic support with homework, exercise, counseling for behavioral problems & mentoring. One Schenectady Funds will be used to engage City residents to identify and The Schenectady Resident Driven offer solutions to the issues that most affect them, such as CDBG $30,000.00 $30,000.00 Foundation Change affordable housing and the urban environment. Funds will be used to pay for the Schenectady Senior Center Ancient Order of the Schenectady which will provide lunch, educational and recreational CDBG $43,850.00 $20,000 Hibernians Senior Center activities to Seniors within the City of Schenectady. Schenectady Funds will be used for a year-round workforce skills Schoharie River Urban Ecology development program for Schenectady City youth aged 14- CDBG $20,000.00 $20,000.00 Center Program 18 from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Page Total $728,053.00 $284,120.00 $248,000.00 10  2024 PUBLIC WORKS ALLOCATIONS = $925,005 Funding Requested Organization Project Description 2024 Proposal 2023 Funding Source Funding Funds will be used for personnel and non-personnel Program Delivery costs for code enforcement activities in low- and CDBG $100,000.00 $100,000.00 - Codes Department moderate-income neighborhoods. Funds will be used for the acquisition and demolition of Department of Demolition of approximately six (6) blighted and abandoned CDBG $85,000.00 $85,000.00 - Development Properties properties throughout the city. Funds will be used for the rehabilitation or Street Rehabilitation reconstruction of approximately one (1) mile of CDBG Engineering and Facilities eligible streets and include ADA improvements required CDBG $250,000.00 $250,000.00 - Department Improvement Program under Federal Law and where specified by the City in various CDBG target areas. Funds will be used for the partial repayment of the Section 108 Loan Property Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program's principal and CDBG $55,005.00 $55,005.00 - Guarantee Program Acquisition/Demolition interest for property acquisition and demolition for the removal of citywide blighting conditions. Funds will be used to provide job training to youth Youth Streetscape City of Schenectady through streetscape beautification projects in the NRSA CDBG $75,000.00 $75,000.00 - Beautification Program and Mt. Pleasant Neighborhoods. Funds will be utilized for upgrades to City Parks Engineering Park Improvements including, Jerry Burrell, Steinmentz and other CDBG $360,000.00 $360,000.00 - Department city parks as needed. Page Total $925,005.00 $925,005.00 $0 11  2024 ADMINISTRATION ALLOCATIONS = $478,732.42 Funding Requested 2024 Proposed 2023 Final Department Project Description Source Funding Plan Plan CDBG $345,000.00 $335,000.00 Funds will be used for administrative costs Department of Administration Costs associated with Consolidated Plan activities for HOME $54,874.00 $57,000.00 Development salaries and benefits and non-personnel costs (5K). ESG $13,858.42 $14,000.00 Funds will be used for administrative and program Department of Administration and delivery costs associated with Consolidated Plan CDBG $25,000.00 $25,000.00 Finance Program Delivery activities. Affirmative Funds will be used for affirmative action, minority Department of Action/Minority recruitment and contract compliance activities CDBG $40,000.00 $40,000.00 Finance Recruitment/ Contract serving the City of Schenectady. Compliance Page Total $478,732.42 $471,000.00 12  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: 09/12/2024 TO: City Council FROM: Alexandria Carver, Director of Development and Planning SUBJECT: 2024-2025 Final Annual Action Plan Allocation Revision Background Information: The City of Schenectady expects to receive approximately of $2,100,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), $184,779 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and $1,093,420 in HOME Investment Partnerships for a total of $2,101,045 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the 2024-2025 Federal Fiscal Year. The 2024-2025 Proposed Action Plan details the funded strategies to achieve City goals and objectives which were recommended in the adopted 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. Evaluation/Analysis: The 2024-2025 Proposed Action Plan was approved by resolution on 08/12/2024. After an additional review by HUD our plan required the following adjustments. HOME development admin lessened by $7,325.92. Schenectady Habitat for Humanity HOME project increased by $7,127.15. Two CDBG Projects recategorized to NRSA, Empowerment Center Workforce Development and Boys and Girls Club. Recommendation: City Council accepts the 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan final allocations with revisions. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_______Law Department________ 13  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: September 16th, 2024 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: A/C Brian Whipple SUBJECT: Police Department Fees/Revenue TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF: September 16th, 2024 Background Information: Department heads within the City of Schenectady have been asked to review their departments' fees. The Police Department is requesting the ability to discuss and present potential fee increases with the Council. Recommendation/Action The police department recommends adjusting the current fee schedules. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: Corporation Counsel 14  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Finance Committee Date: Monday, September 16, 2024 From: John Mootooveren Subject Review - Collecting Feedback from City Residents on Our CDBG-CV Funding to Prevent, Prepare for, and Respond to Coronavirus Projects (PH was held on 9-9-24) Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Thursday, September 12, 2024 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: September 16, 2024 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Council President Marion Porterfield SUBJECT: CR Breast Cancer Awareness Month Background Information: Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that is held every October. The month aims to promote screening and prevention of disease. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: That the City Council pass a resolution recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _____________________ 25  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: September 16, 2024 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Council President Marion Porterfield SUBJECT: CR BPW Woman of the Year Background Information: Schenectady Business and Professional Women’s Club Inc. will be honoring a local woman, Jennifer Hendricks-Fogg, as their 2024 Woman of the Year at the Annual Fashion Show Luncheon on Sunday, October 27th, 2024 at the Glen Sanders Mansion. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: That the City Council pass a resolution recognizing Jennifer Hendricks-Fogg as Schenectady BPW 2024 Woman of the Year LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _____________________ 26  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, September 16, 2024 From: John Mootooveren Subject Reminder - Ceremonial Renaming a Portion Barrett Street from Huron Street to the Intersection of South Avenue to Marlene Hill Way (PH on 09-23-24) Background Info: Public hearing will be held on September 23, 2024. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Thursday, September 12, 2024 27  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 09/12/24 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 6 Landon Terrace Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 28  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 09/12/24 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of 442 Plymouth Avenue Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 29  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 09/03/24 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of 956 Strong Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 30  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 09/12/24 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of 1243 Parkwood Boulevard Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 31