City Council Committees

SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AGENDA for Monday, March 3, 2025 5:30 p.m. Room 110 The Council President reserves the right to add or delete any agenda item prior to Committee Meeting. Government Operations 1 Update – Office of Affirmative Action Program Ron Gardner Review – Amending Certain Sections of Chapter 28 of the Schenectady City Code Regarding Marion Porterfield 2 Rules and Procedures of the Schenectady City Council (Update Outdated Language)(PH will be on 3-10-25) Public Safety 1 Discussion – Review of Noise Permit Applications John Mootooveren Public Service & Utilities 1 OGS Update – Trash / Refuse Collection Sticker Program Marion Porterfield City Development & Planning 1 Discussion – “Duane Avenue Traffic Calming Measures” Chris Wallin Change Order Approval to the Schenectady Municipal Golf Course - Maintenance Building Chris Wallin 2 Electrical Upgrades to BW Electrical Services, LLC 3 CR – St. Patrick’s Day Joseph Mancini 4 CR – Holi (Phagwah) John Mootooveren Re-Appointment of Mary D’Alessandro-Gilmore & Imran Khan Mohamed to the Board of Marion Porterfield 5 Assessment Review 6 Lease Agreement – 13 North Broadway Maxine Barasch 7 Sale of a Vacant Lot Located at 14 Backus Street Maurice Brown, III 8 Sale of a Vacant Lot at 1419 Broadway Maurice Brown, III Claims 1 High-Cost Pharmacy Claim Gary McCarthy 2 Carlyn Ringer vs. City of Schenectady Maxine Barasch 3 Denise Harris v. City of Schenectady Maxine Barasch 1 2  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Government Operations Committee Date: Monday, March 03, 2025 From: Marion Porterfield Subject Reminder - Amending Certain Sections of Chapter 28 of the Schenectady City Code Regarding the Rules and Procedures of the Schenectady City Council (PH will be on 03-10-2025) Background Info: Public hearing will be held on March 10, 2025. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, February 28, 2025 3  f CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK ORDINANCE NO. Councilmember offered the following: The Schenectady City Council, in regular meeting, does ordains as follows: An Ordinance to Amend Certain Sections of Chapter 28 of the Schenectady City Code to Update Certain Language. Section 1. Purpose: It is necessary to update the language in designated portions of Chapter 28 . Section 2. Section 28-14 Rules governing debate When a member is about to speak, [he] the member shall rise from [his] their seat and address the chair, and when two or more members rise at once, the member to speak shall be named by the presiding officer. The speaker shall speak [confine himself] to the question under debate and avoid personalities. No member shall speak upon the subject under discussion more than twice nor more than five minutes each time, except by unanimous consent. If any member, in speaking or otherwise, transgresses the rules, the presiding officer shall, or any member may, call the member [him] to order, in which case [he] the member shall immediately sit down and shall not rise unless to explain or proceed in order. The question shall be decided by the presiding officer without debate. Section 28-15.1 Rules governing speaking by members. [Added 2-6-1989 by Ord. No. 89-06A] When a member is about to speak, [he] the member shall rise from [his] their seat and address the chair, and when two or more members rise at once, the member to speak shall be named by the presiding officer. No member shall speak more than twice nor more than five minutes each time, except by unanimous consent. If any member transgresses these rules, the presiding officer shall, or any member may, call him to order, in which case he shall immediately sit down Section 28-22 Procedure for adoption of legislation. 4 A. Except as otherwise provided by local law, no ordinance shall be voted upon earlier than the 12th day after its introduction except by unanimous consent of all the members of the Council present, being not less than 2/3 of all members thereof. The passage of an ordinance requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all the members of the Council. The same number of votes shall be required to adopt an amending ordinance as was necessary for adoption of the ordinance it purports to amend. B. All ordinances and local laws shall be presented either in printed or typewritten form, and a copy of all proposed ordinances and local laws shall be delivered under the direction of the Clerk to each member of the Council at least seven days before the same shall be put upon their passage, except when unanimous consent is granted for immediate adoption of an ordinance. C. One copy of every proposed ordinance shall be prepared and delivered to the City Clerk no later than 12:00 noon on the Thursday preceding the Council meeting at which the ordinance is to be introduced. The City Clerk shall provide a copy for each member of City Council and the Mayor. No City officer shall be required to prepare or approve a proposed ordinance within 24 hours of the meeting at which it is to be presented, and no ordinance shall be introduced until approved as to form by the Corporation Counsel or one of [his assistants] the Assistant Corporation Counsels. [Amended 10-13-1981 by Ord. No. 81-110] Section 28-33 Approval of ordinances by Corporation Counsel. No ordinance granting any right, franchise or property shall be introduced until approved by the Corporation Counsel or one of [his] the assistants as to its form and legality. The Corporation Counsel shall report the same within 10 days after its referral. [reference to him] Section 3. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately. Approved as to Form __day of February 2025 _______________ Maxine Barasch, Esq Corporation Counsel 5  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Public Safety DATE: February 18, 2025 & March 3, 2025 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: John Mootooveren SUBJECT: Discussion – Review of Noise Permit Applications Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 6  PRIVATE EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 1. This is an application, NOT a sound device permit. 2. All answers must be either typewritten or printed in ink. 3. File application with the [Schenectady Police Department] five days before the day of the event. 1. Personal Information Name: (Last) _____________________ (First) ___________________ (MI) _______ Applicant Mailing Address: _______________________________________________________ Applicant Phone No.: ________________ E-Mail: ___________________________________ Resident [__] Non-Resident [__] Applicant is a professional fundraiser (As defined in New York State Executive Law § 171-a): Yes ___ No ___ Proof of Identity: Applicant must provide proof of identity at the time of application with either a valid NYS Driver License or other official Photo ID. A photocopy of such proof will become part of the application, and the application will not be deemed complete without it. 2. Responsible Party/ On Site Contact: Applicants must provide the name and phone number of a responsible party who will be available to City officials at the time of the event. The Responsible Party/ Primary Point of Contact must always be at the premises for the designated times of the permit. Name: ______________________________ ___ Phone No.: _________________________ 7  3. Event Details Name of Event: ________________________________________________________________ Location of Event: (street address) _________________________________________________ Event Start Date: _____/ _____/______ ______ (am/pm) Event End Date: _____/ _____/ ______ ______ (am/pm) A. Detailed Event Narrative: Please provide a detailed written narrative describing its purpose and any proposed details (i.e. description of fundraisers, associated brands, the occasion of the event, etc.) ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ B. Music: All City of Schenectady Code provisions regarding noise and music must be adhered to as a condition of any noise permit issued as a result of this application. The issuance of a sound permit does not allow for deviation from the City’s regulations for noise. Select all options applicable to your event and provide a brief written description. Yes, music will be provided in the following manner(s): ____ Indoor ______ Outdoor ____ Live Band ______ DJ ______ Other _______ Time, duration, and location(s) of music: ____________________________________________ 8 No, there will be no Loudspeakers or PA system: _____ C. Outdoor Loudspeakers or PA system: Yes: Location and Purpose: _______________________________________________________ No, there will be no Loudspeakers or PA system: ______ 4. Applicant Acknowledgement I _________________________________, AM OVER EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OLD AND I HAVE ANSWERED THE FOREGOING QUESTIONS TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEVE AND SWEAR THAT THE ANSWERS CONTAINED IN THIS APPLICATION ARE TRUE AND ACCURATE. I HAVE RECEIVED AND READ A COPY OF THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY NOISE ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 182 OF THE SCHENECTADY CITY CODE AND AGREE TO COMPLY WITH ALL THE REQUIREMENTS. I ACKNOWLEDGE THE SOUND REPRODUCTION RULES OF SECTION 182-4 (J) APPLY REGARDLESS OF A SOUND PERMIT. ANY VIOLATIONS OF THE SCHENECTADY NOISE ORDINANCE WILL BE PROSECTUTED. I HAVE NOTIFIED MY ADJACENT NEIGHBORS OF THIS EVENT. I HEREBY CONSENT TO THE INSPECTION OF THE PREMISES BY A POLICE OFFICER OR OTHER ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, UPON REQUEST, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENSURING THAT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE PERMIT ARE MET. I AGREE THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY / PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT SHALL BE AT THE PREMISES AT ALL TIMES STATED FOR THE EVENT AND I SHALL PROMINENTLY POST THE ISSUED PERMIT AT THE EVENT LOCATION. A FALSE STATEMENT MADE HEREIN IS PUNISHABLE AS A CLASS “A” MISDEMEANOR PURSUANT TO SECTION 210.45 OF THE PENAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. ___________________________________ ________________________ Signature of Applicant Date Signed 9  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK ORDINANCE NO. Councilmember offered the following: The Schenectady City Council, in regular meeting, does ordains as follows: Section 1. Purpose: The Schenectady City Council finds that noise complaints continue to have a negative impact on the quality of life of Schenectady residents and there is need for a Sound Permit Application process. The current ordinance is amended to add Section 182-8 to set forth the process of a Sound Permit Application. Section 2. Add Section 182-8 to Chapter 182 of the Schenectady City Code entitled “Noise”. Section 182-8: Sound Permit Application. A. The Sound Permit Application will be in a form reviewed and approved by the Schenectady Police Department. B. The Chief of Police or XXXX will review Sound Permit Applications and will issue approved Sound Permits. C. The Sound Permit Application shall be filed with the XXXX office. D. Sound Permit Applications shall be submitted no later than five days prior to the requested event. E. Approved Sound Permits shall be posted by the Applicant at the approved event. Section 3. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately. New material is highlighted and underlined. Approved as to form this 10 ___day of March 2025 ___________________ Maxine Barasch, Esq. Corporation Counsel 11  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Public Service & Utilities Committee Date: Monday, March 03, 2025 From: Marion Porterfield Subject OGS Update - Trash/Refuse Collection Sticker Program Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, February 28, 2025 12  Legislative Request Form DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING CHRISTOPHER WALLIN, P.E., CITY ENGINEER COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: February 26, 2025 TO: City Council FROM: Christopher R. Wallin, P.E., City Engineer SUBJECT: Discussion “Duane Avenue Traffic Calming Measures” TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF: February 27, 2025 Background Information: At the request of the City Council the Department of Engineering in cooperation with the Police Department purchased modular speed tables for installation at select locations in the City. The first street the devices were installed was Duane Avenue between Brandywine Avenue and Craig Street. The installation was shown to successfully reduce speed along the corridor and the Department of Engineer recommended a permanent installation. Evaluation/Analysis: The Engineering Department designed, solicited and received bids for the “Duane Avenue Traffic Calming Measures” and a low bid amount of $26,174.00 was received on February 26, 2025, from Carver Construction, Inc., of Coeymans, NY. These speed tables will be installed in the same locations that the temporary were and include additional signage and striping. Recommendation: The received bid from Carver Construction is under the $35,000 threshold set in the City’s purchasing agreement. No official action is required. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: N/A CRW: KOS 1 13 2025-01-ENG - Duane Avenue Traffic Calming Measures Plan Holders List Plan Holders List Organization Name Main Contact Download Date City Province/State Schupp's Line Bob Camadine 02/20/2025 09:06 AM EST Albany New York Construction NYS certified WBE/DBE Peter Luizzi Bros Peter Luizzi 02/20/2025 08:19 AM EST Watervliet New York Contracting Inc Callanan Industries Zach Hewke 02/20/2025 07:17 AM EST Albany New York Evolution construction Jeffrey Russo 02/17/2025 12:05 PM EST Mechanicville New York services Stantec Consulting Krista Farley 02/11/2025 02:13 PM EST Albany New York Services Inc. Rozell East Edwin Shull 02/07/2025 02:20 PM EST Queensbury New York New Castle Paving New Castle Paving 02/06/2025 03:17 PM EST Troy New York Stilsing Electric Inc Michael Stilsing 02/05/2025 04:18 PM EST Rensselaer New York A.W.Farrell & Son, Inc. Dan Hogan 02/05/2025 06:58 AM EST Plattsburgh New York Traffic Logix Corporation Karen Amzallag 02/03/2025 11:16 AM EST Spring Valley New York Tighe & Bond Keri Drake 02/03/2025 09:55 AM EST Westfield Massachusetts Whittaker Brothers Roland Whittaker 02/03/2025 09:49 AM EST New York New York Gov Solution Corp Gov Solutions 02/01/2025 10:27 PM EST Los Angeles California Power Line Constructors, Joseph Abidib 01/31/2025 04:55 PM EST Clinton New York Inc. Citymark Striping LLC Vanessa Mosher 01/31/2025 09:24 AM EST Albany New York CHA Consulting, Inc. Penny Perkins 01/31/2025 08:10 AM EST Albany New York Delsignore Blacktop Debra Newman 01/31/2025 07:25 AM EST Troy New York Paving, Inc. Construction Journal Construction Journal 01/30/2025 09:42 PM EST Stuart Florida FCM Engineering, PLLC Fred Mastroianni 01/30/2025 05:29 PM EST Scotia New York Eastern Contractors Dustin Henry 01/30/2025 03:05 PM EST Albany New York Association North America Tim Loncarich 01/30/2025 02:06 PM EST Grand Junction Colorado Procurement Council, Inc. PBC Carver Construction Gabe Hanoufa 01/30/2025 01:41 PM EST Coeymans New York Creighton Manning Shelly Johnston 01/30/2025 01:25 PM EST Albany New York Engineering, LLP 02/27/2025 10:31 AM EST 14 Page 5 of 5  BID SUMMARY TABULATION SHEET DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING BUREAU OF CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN Received by the COMMITTEE ON BIDS of The City of Schenectady, NY at 10:30 A.M. Eastern Daylight Saving Time on the 26th day of February, 2025. Bids for: "Duane Avenue Traffic Calming Measures" PAY ITEM BIDDER No. 1 BIDDER No. 2 BIDDER No. 3 PAY ITEM DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE UNIT PRICE UNIT PRICE No. EXTENSION EXTENSION EXTENSION 1 Work Zone Traffic Control 1 LS $3,500.00 $6,500.00 $10,000.00 2 Speed Tables - Complete 2 Each $11,377.00 $22,674.00 $20,945.00 $41,890.00 $16,000.00 $32,000.00 15 Total Base Bid $26,174.00 $48,390.00 $42,000.00 BIDDER No. COMPANY NAME ADDRESS C.A.P. SECURITY DEPOSIT 1 Carver Construction Inc. PO Box 890 River Rd. Coeymans, NY 12045 N/A Bid Bond 2 Delsignore Blacktop Paving 42 Brick Church Rd. Troy, NY 12180 N/A Bid Bond 3 Peter Luizzi and Bros Contracting Inc. 857 First St. Watervillet, NY 12189 N/A Bid Bond 1 of 1 Signature______________________ 16 17 18  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: February 27, 2025 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Joseph Mancini SUBJECT: CR Recognizing March as Irish American Heritage Month Background Information: Since 1991, in tribute to all Irish Americans, the US Congress and the President of the United States designated March as Irish American Heritage Month. Evaluation/Analysis: Irish American Heritage Month is celebrated in March, to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day, an Irish holiday celebrated on March 17. Locally, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and the Ladies’ Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) contribute their time, treasure and talents to many community organizations. Recommendation: That the Schenectady City Council celebrate the history and contributions of Irish Americans by recognizing March 2025 as Irish American Heritage Month in the City of Schenectady. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: 19  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development and Planning DATE: March 3, 2025 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: John Mootooveren SUBJECT: CR – Recognizing Holi (Phagwah), the Hindu Spring Festival Background Information: Holi is a celebration of colors, spring, love, and the victory of good over evil in the Hindu religion. Evaluation/Analysis: Holi unites people with its infectious energy and vibrant colors. Recommendation: That City Council passes a resolution recognizing Holi (Phagwah) in the City of Schenectady. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 20  City of Schenectady, New York A Resolution Recognizing Holi (Phagwah) Spring Festival, 2025 WHEREAS, Holi or Phagwah, the festival of colors, is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in spring. At this time, everyone smeared colored powder and sprayed fragrances on each other. This reflects exactly what happens in nature with all the blooming flowers of different varieties and scents. The celebration of this event invokes oneness with nature, and we are all encouraged to cultivate our inner selves to be just as fragrant and beautiful; and T WHEREAS, Holi like other festivals has its spiritual value as it promotes devotion to God when correctly observed. Similar to other Hindu festivals, Holi fosters detachment from material enjoyment and enhances spiritual development. It unites the great, the small, the AF underprivileged and the well-to-do and symbolically eliminates all forms of inequality. Holi inspires us to forget the negative sentiments we may harbor for others and to start the New Year with love, peace, health and understanding; and WHEREAS, Holi imparts to us that we must always keep God in our hearts. Hindus R recognize spring as the king of all seasons, it is the time of creation, all reckoning begins, grains are discovered edible, and the spring crop is soon to be harvested. Holi is an auspicious time and is considered very appropriate for worship and spiritual pursuits. D NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT, RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Gary R McCarthy, and City Council, do hereby pause in their deliberation to recognize March 15, 2025 as Holi (Phagwah) Spring Festival in the City of Schenectady and call on everyone to celebrate the history and culture with appropriate ceremonies and activities. 21  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: March 3, 2025 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Council President Marion Porterfield SUBJECT: Board of Assessment Review (BAR) Re-appointment Background Information: Mary D’Alessandro-Gilmore and Imran Khan Mohamed are currently on the Board of Assessment Review. We received a letter that their terms expired on September 30, 2024. Evaluation/Analysis: The Board of Assessment Review is made up of five members. This is a City Council appointment. Recommendation: The City Council re-appoint Mary D’Alessandro-Gilmore and Imran Khan Mohamed to the Board of Assessment Review. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________LAW________, 22  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Planning & Dev. DATE: February 13, 2025 March 3, 2025 TO: City Council FROM: Maxine L. Barasch, Esq., Corporation Counsel SUBJECT: Lease to 13 North Broadway Background Information: Chengdu Impression, Inc. rents 13 North Broadway as a restaurant. They would like to expand their space for serving food and beverages to have a patio where the City portion of parking lot is located on North Broadway and Liberty Street. Evaluation/Analysis: Attached is a proposed lease agreement. Recommendation: The Council may consider the request. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________ 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 03/03/25 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 14 Backus Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 39  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 03/03/24 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 1419 Broadway Background Information: The City Council Authorized the sale of the city owned vacant lot at 1419 Broadway via resolution 2023-217 in addition to the sale of 8 Grand St. via resolution 2024-044 to Capital Hauling LLC The intended use of the lot is to construct and operate a “diesel repair shop”. The sale of 1419 Broadway has a clause that Planning Commission approval is required prior to transfer of title. Evaluation/Analysis: On February 19th 2025 the planning commission discussed and reviewed the site plan application for this site but were unable to provide an approval due a lack of a storm water and grading plan. The buyer has expressed concern with completing that portion of the plan prior to taking ownership as it is a significant financial investment and has requested approval to close without the contingency of PC approval. Recommendation: The original intention of the clause was to confirm that the use of the lot would be allowable and to ensure the buyer completed necessary due diligence to ensure the completion of the project. Recommendation is to amend Resolution 2023-217 to remove the clause requiring Planning Commission approval prior to transfer of title. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 40  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Claims DATE: 2-26-25 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Gary McCarthy SUBJECT: High-Cost Pharmacy Claim Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: Discussion in Executive Session at 5:30pm via Webex. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 41  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Claims Committee Date: Monday, March 03, 2025 From: Maxine Barasch Subject Carlyn Ringer vs. City of Schenectady Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, February 28, 2025 42  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Claims Committee Date: Monday, March 03, 2025 From: Maxine Barasch Subject Denise Harris v. City of Schenectady Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, February 28, 2025 43