City Council Committees

SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AGENDA for Monday, September 15, 2025 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 Grant Award – FY2022 SHSP Cybersecurity Grant Program Bawan Karn Review - 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER - PH was on Alexandria Carver 2 08-11-2025) Public Service & Utilities 1 Watt Street Sewage Pipeline Carl Williams Government Operations 1 City Housing Stability Task Force Marion Porterfield City Development & Planning 1 ABAC - HVAC Maintenance and Repairs Paul Lafond 2 Discussion - City of Schenectady Garbage Stickers Paul Lafond 3 Letter of Intent - New Leaf Energy Gary McCarthy 4 Moratorium for Health & Wellness Spas Doreen Ditoro CR - Recognizing Schenectady Business & Professional Women's Club (BPW) Woman of the Marion Porterfield 5 Year Award Winner, Christina Watson Meier 6 CR - Celebrating October as Italian Heritage Month Doreen Ditoro 7 CR - Recognizing October as Polish American Heritage Month Carmel Patrick 8 Discussion - 39 Robinson Street Maxine Barasch 9 1033 Congress Street (SBL #49.54-4-23.1) and 1333 Sixth Avenue (SBL #49.54-4-23.2) Maxine Barasch 10 Sale of 848 State Street, Vacant Lot Maurice Brown, III 11 Sale of 1118 Forth Avenue, Vacant Lot Maurice Brown, III 12 Sale of 1856 Foster Avenue, Vacant Lot Maurice Brown, III Claims 1 Tax Certiorari - 624 McClellan Street Maxine Barasch 2 Anthony Roland vs. City of Schenectady Maxine Barasch 3 State Farm a/s/o Rebecca Young vs. City of Schenectady Maxine Barasch 1  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: September 11, 2025 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Bawan Karn, CTO SUBJECT: Grant Award – FY2022 SHSP Cybersecurity Grant Program. Background Information: U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP) and is administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) has awarded the City of Schenectady $50,000 in federal funding under the CY22-1021-E00 Cybersecurity Grant Program to enhance and sustain our jurisdiction’s cybersecurity posture as well as ensure that our information systems are secured and protected from cyber incidents through equipment, training, exercise, and planning projects. There are no matching funds required. Recommendation: The Information Technology Department recommends acceptance of the FY2022 Cybersecurity Grant Program. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: Bawan Karn, CTO. 2  KATHY HOCHUL JACKIE BRAY Governor Commissioner August 1, 2025 The Honorable Gary McCarthy Mayor, City of Schenectady 105 Jay Street City Hall, Room 111 Schenectady, NY 12305 Dear Mayor McCarthy: I am pleased to announce that the City of Schenectady has been awarded $50,000 in federal funding under the FY2022 Cybersecurity Grant Program. Funding for this initiative is provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP) and is administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). The performance period for this award is August 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026. As outlined in your application, this funding is provided to enhance and sustain your jurisdiction’s cybersecurity posture as well as ensure that your information systems are secured and protected from cyber incidents through equipment, training, exercise, and planning projects. Additionally, all capabilities developed through federal FY2022 SHSP funding are required to be deployable regionally and nationally per the federal guidelines. All funding through this grant program is subject to both New York State and federal guidelines and regulations. In order to ensure these funds are made available as quickly as possible, a representative from the Grants Program Administration Unit of DHSES will be reaching out to your grant point of contact. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Eric Abramson, Director of Grants Program Administration at (518) 242-5108. Congratulations on your award and I look forward to working with you to administer this program. Sincerely, Jackie Bray Commissioner 1220 Washington Avenue, Bldg. 7A, Fl. 7, Albany, NY 12226 │ 518.242.5000 │www.dhses.ny.gov 3  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Development and Planning DATE: City Council TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Alexandria Carver, Director of Development SUBJECT: 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) Background Information: The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and HOME Investment Partnerships Program require participating jurisdictions to submit a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) at the close of each program year. The 2023 CAPER provides a summary of accomplishments related to the projects and programs outlined in the 2023–2024 Annual Action Plan (AAP), funded through the CDBG, ESG, and HOME programs. Evaluation/Analysis: The 15-day public comment period ran from July 22, 2025 through August 5, 2025. A public hearing was held on August 11, 2025 during the comment period. Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council accept 2023 CAPER. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 4  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: September 15, 2025 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Councilman Carl Williams SUBJECT: Watt Street Sewage Pipeline Background Information: (6) residents along Watt Street have septic tanks for waste management and would like to be transitioned to the city sewage line. Evaluation/Analysis: Review submitted Petition for Street Improvements. Recommendation: Proceed with evaluating estimated costs and related expenses. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: LAW DEPARTMENT 5 6  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Government Operations DATE: August 13, 2025 & September 15, 2025 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Councilmember Joseph Mancini Marion Porterfield SUBJECT: Selection Process of the City Housing Stability Task Force Background Information: On July 28th 2025 the City Council passed resolution # 2025-138 establishing a City Housing Stability Task Force and signed by Mayor McCarthy on August 4th 2025. The purpose of the Task Force is to consider strategies to improve housing stability in the City of Schenectady and alternatives to opting in to the Good Cause Eviction Law. Evaluation/Analysis: Numerous stakeholders—landlords, tenants, housing advocates, nonprofits, and developers—have expressed a desire for long-term, locally tailored strategies that address the root causes of housing instability. The purpose of the Housing Stability Task Force is to assess current housing conditions, market rental trends, eviction data, and community needs. This task force will also evaluate the implications of Good Cause and explore policy alternatives that support both tenants and landlords—potentially eliminating the need for a formal opt-in. The task force is charged with: • Conducting a review of local housing trends, eviction filings, rent burdens, and vacancy rates. • Assessing the potential impact of Good Cause Eviction in Schenectady. • Hosting public forums and engaging stakeholder voices across the housing spectrum. 7  • Recommending short- and long-term strategies to stabilize housing without increasing regulatory burdens unnecessarily. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Council develop the selection process for the Housing Stability Task Force with representatives from City Council, the Department of Development, local nonprofits, landlords, tenant advocates, and legal experts. The task force shall submit its preliminary findings and recommendations within 120 days of formation. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: N/A 8  SCHE - CCADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 138 Councilmernber Mr .Mancini offered the following: A Resolution Establishing a City Housing Stability Task Force WHEREAS, the Schenectady City Council would like to evaluate gaps and possible solutions in tenant protections, housing affordability, displacement, and neighborhood stability in a comprehensive approach; WHEREAS, to assist in such evaluation, the City Council would like input from stakeholders, including landlords that own property in the City, tenants that live in the City, Schenectady based housing advocates that serve the City' s residents and landlords, Schenectady based nonprofits that serve the City' s residents and landlords, and developers that serve the City (hereinafter " Stakeholders"); WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to establish a Housing Stability Task Force, to conduct an inclusive, evidence -based assessment of current housing conditions, rental market trends, eviction data, community needs, and potential impact of, and alternatives to, opting in to Good Cause Eviction Law in the City of Schenectady; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, a Housing Stability Task Force is established, which shall be comprised of nine volunteer Stakeholders, including one member of the City Council (who shall be the Chair of the Task Force); BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Housing Stability Task Force shall be charged with: Conducting a review of local housing trends, eviction filings, rent burdens, and vacancy rates. Hosting public forums and engaging stakeholder voices across the housing spectrum. In light of such review and public input, reporting (within 120 days of its first meeting) the potential impact of Good Cause Eviction in Schenectady, and recommending short - and long-term strategies to stabilize housing without increasing regulatory burdens unnecessarily, and BE IT YET FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Task Force shall comprise nine (9) members to be appointed by the City Council; RECEIVED 24 2025 ScYcrk 9  BE IT YET FURTHER RESOLVED, that the first meeting, and those thereafter, of the Housing Stability Task Force shall be called by at least one City Council member on notice to the public via the City Clerk in the same manner that City Council meetings are published. M13m- mch, Esq. Corporation Counsel ADOPTED te" by the following vote ( a majority of aN members voting in the affirmative negative) Damonni Farley V Joseph Mancini i John Mootooveren Carmel Patrick Marion Porterfield Carl Williams TOTAL J, 4 i" t IE OLLMON t OO64 4W. ADOPTED unanimously _ Auji 28 210117.5 Approved by Mayor0q. 20,25. Vetoed by Mayor 10 Summary: Housing Stability Task Force – Resolution No. 2025-138 Purpose: To conduct an inclusive, evidence-based evaluation of housing challenges in Schenectady—particularly around tenant protections, affordability, displacement, and neighborhood stability—and assess the potential impact of adopting the state’s Good Cause Eviction Law, as well as alternatives to it. Official Charges of the Task Force: 1. Review housing trends, eviction filings, rent burdens, and vacancy rates. 2. Host public forums and gather broad input from stakeholders. 3. Deliver a report within 120 days of its first meeting, detailing: o Short- and long-term strategies to stabilize housing in Schenectady without unnecessary regulatory burdens Structure: • 9 total members • All members are volunteers • 1 City Council member shall serve as Chair • Remaining 8 members shall be appointed by the City Council • All meetings are to be publicly noticed in the same manner as Council meetings Proposed Task Force Member Selection Process Step 1: Public Call for Applications • The City Clerk will issue an open call for applicants, to be posted: o On the City website o Through housing advocates, nonprofits, and neighborhood associations • Applicants must be residents or stakeholders directly serving the City of Schenectady 11 Step 2: Eligibility and Evaluation • Candidates will be screened to ensure eligibility and relevant experience • Priority will be given to those who reflect the diversity of Schenectady’s housing ecosystem: o Tenants o Landlords o Developers o Housing advocates o Nonprofit representatives o Legal professionals • Criteria include: o Knowledge or lived experience in housing-related issues o Commitment to respectful, evidence-based dialogue o Availability to attend several meetings and contribute to public forums Step 3: Council Appointments • The full Council will review applications and appoint the 8 non-Council members • Selections will aim to ensure balanced representation (no one interest group dominates) • Appointees will receive written notification and onboarding information Step 4: Public Notice and First Meeting • The first meeting will be called by at least one Council member • Notice will be posted publicly through the City Clerk’s office, as per standard protocol for Council meetings 12 City of Schenectady Housing Stability Task Force – Member Application Thank you for your interest in serving on the City of Schenectady’s Housing Stability and Equity Task Force. This group will evaluate housing conditions across the city, assess the potential role of Good Cause Eviction, and recommend local strategies that support stable, affordable, and equitable housing for all residents. Selection Criteria Members will be selected to ensure a balanced and representative group, based on the following criteria: • Representation from key stakeholder groups: tenants, small landlords (≤10 units), developers, legal/housing advocates, community-based organizations, city government staff, academic/data experts, and special population advocates. • Lived or professional experience related to housing, property management, tenant advocacy, or urban planning. • Commitment to collaboration, evidence-based policy, and respectful dialogue. • Diversity in race, ethnicity, cultural background, geographic location, income level, and age. • Ability to commit to 6–10 meetings over a 120-day period and participate in at least one public engagement activity. Contact Information Full Name: ________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________ Phone Number: ____________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________ Background and Experience 1. What is your current role or profession? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13 2. Please check any category that applies to you (check all that apply): [ ] Renter or tenant in Schenectady [ ] Landlord or property owner (≤10 units) [ ] Developer [ ] Legal or housing justice advocate [ ] Nonprofit/community-based organization [ ] Government staff or elected official [ ] Other: ________________________________________________ 3. Please describe any relevant experience, expertise, or lived experience related to housing: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Interest and Commitment 4. Why are you interested in serving on this task force? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Can you commit to attending 6–10 meetings over a 120-day period? [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Maybe 6. Is there anything else you would like us to consider? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please return completed applications to: Samatha R. Mykoo; City Clerk Email: SMykoo@schenectadyny.gov Thank you for your willingness to serve the City of Schenectady. 14 15 16 17 18  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: September 15, 2025 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Paul Lafond SUBJECT: Discussion – City of Schenectady Garbage Stickers Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 19  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 From: Gary McCarthy Subject New Leaf Energy Letter of Intent Negotiation Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, August 29, 2025 20  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: August 28, 2025 & September 15, 2025 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Doreen Ditoro SUBJECT: This proposal seeks to establish a temporary moratorium of 6 months on new permits, business licenses, or approvals for health and wellness spas offering massage services. Resolution requesting: That the above-referenced business classification shall be included within those business types in the City of Schenectady that are required to obtain a Certificate of Use, by the City of Schenectady, which shall be issued by the City of Schenectady Code Enforcement Department.” Background Information: Regulatory Gap At present, the City Code does not explicitly require all spa-type businesses to obtain a Certificate of Use or similar local approval before opening. This creates a gap in oversight and enforcement. Purpose of the Moratorium A temporary pause (moratorium) would provide the City time to review its zoning and code regulations. Recommendation: It is recommended that the City of Schenectady adopt a temporary moratorium on the approval or operation of new health and wellness spa establishments until such time as the City Code can be amended. During this period, the Code Enforcement Department should: 1. Review existing business classifications and zoning provisions to determine where spa-type businesses should be regulated. 2. Develop criteria requiring such businesses to obtain a Certificate of Use issued LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED By the Law Department 21 22 23 24  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: September 15, 2025 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 attorney Christina Watson Meier as their 2025 Woman of the Year at the Annual Fashion Show Luncheon on Sunday, October 17th, 2025, at the Terrace at Water’s Edge in Glenville. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: That the City Council pass a ceremonial resolution recognizing Christina Watson Meier as Schenectady BPW 2025 Woman of the Year LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _____________________ 25 26  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: September 9, 2025 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Doreen Ditoro SUBJECT: CR celebrating October as Italian Heritage Month Background Information: Every year the U.S. president signs an executive order designating the month of October as National Italian American Heritage Month. Coinciding with the festivities surrounding Columbus Day, the proclamation is recognition of the many achievements, contributions, and successes of Americans of Italian descent as well as Italians in America. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: Presentation at the Columbus Day Dinner on October 10, 202 LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Doreen Ditoro 27  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: September 10, 2025 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Carmel Patrick SUBJECT: CR recognizing October as Polish American Heritage Month Background Information: Polish American Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States in October to recognize the contributions of Polish Americans to our nation. It also celebrates the history and culture of Poland, and the millions of Polish people who have immigrated to the United States. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: That the Schenectady City Council celebrate the contributions of Polish Americans by recognizing October 2025 as Polish American Heritage Month in the City of Schenectady. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _____________________ 28  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: September 15, 2025 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Maxine Barasch, Esq. SUBJECT: Discussion – 39 Robinson Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 29  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 From: Maxine Barasch Subject 1033 Congress Street (SBL#: 49.54-4-23.1) & 1333 Sixth Avenue (SBL#: 49.54-4-23.2) Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, August 29, 2025 30  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 09/15/25 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 848 State Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 31  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 09/15/25 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 1118 Fourth Avenue Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 32  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 09/15/25 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 1856 Foster Avenue Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 33  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Claims Committee Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 From: Maxine Barasch Subject Tax Certiorari - 624 McClellan Street Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, August 29, 2025 34  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Claims DATE: September 15, 2025 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Maxine Barasch, Esq. SUBJECT: Anthony Roland vs. City of Schenectady Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 35  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Claims DATE: September 15, 2025 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Maxine Barasch, Esq. SUBJECT: State Farm a/s/o Rebecca Young vs. City of Schenectady Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 36