City Council

Minutes of the Finance Meeting Troy City Council January 22,2015 The meeting was called to order at 6:08 PM by City Council President Wiltshire. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council President Wiltshire. The roll being called, the following answered to their names: Council members Erin Sullivan-Teta, Dean Bodnar, Anastasia Robertson, Ken Zalewski, Lynn Kopka, James Gordon, Rodney Wiltshire, Gary Galuski and Robert Doherty. Also present were Mayor Lou Rosamilia, Bill Dunne, Andrew Donavan, Selena Skiba, Emily Rossier, Lucy Taylor, Kelly Cramer and Counsel to the Council Joe Liccardi. The meeting was attended by approximately 25 members of the public. Consideration of Ordinances: 5. Ordinance Authorizing and Directing the Reconveyance of City-Owned Real Property (188 Hill Street). Ordinance passed by unanimous vote 6. Ordinance Authorizing and Directing the Reconveyance of City-Owned Real Property (21 1201h Street). Ordinance passed by unanimous vote 7. Ordinance Authorizing and Directing the Reconveyance of City-Owned Real Property (1035 Sixth Avenue). Ordinance passed by unanimous vote 8. Ordinance Authorizing and Directing the Reconveyance of City-Owned Real Property (2829 Sixth Avenue). Ordinance passed by unanimous vote 9. Ordinance Authorizing and Directing the Reconveyance of City-Owned Real Property (731 River Street). Bodnar asked if the City owed money for this one. Dan Vincelette stated the person died and it time for the title change through the estate so we waved the fees. Ordinance passed by unanimous vote 10. Ordinance Amending the Code ofTroy, Chapter 71 Planning Commission, Section 71-2 "Establishment; Appointments." Galuski asked for an explanation on this ordinance. Bill Dunne stated there is an error in the title; is to change the city code. Andrew Donovan spoke about him not being a voting member ofthe committee. He would stay on to make recommendations but he feels it's a conflict of interest with his City position as Engineer. Bodnar asked if there is another Engineer on right now. Andrew stated no just himself. Zalewski asked if we should Amend it to state no full time employee of the city. Doherty felt it did not need amending. Bodnar stated Andy requested this so we should vote it forward then later on we can make changes. Ordinance passed by unanimous vote 11. Ordinance Approving Settlement ofTax Certiorari Proceedings Instituted by Gail Spiak on the Assessment Roll of the City of Troy. Zalewski asked for an explanation about this ordinance. Vincelette stated it was based on the Garr assessment and after going to court Judge Zwack recommended this settlement. Ordinance passed by unanimous vote 12. Ordinance Authorizing and Directing Sale of City Owned Real Property by the Proposal Method Wiltshire spoke about the property sale method and meeting process. He stated since the council has been participating in these meetings it has been successful for the most part. He did state this last meeting was very long and had a large amount of properties. He explained that the council per charter can not make any changes or add to this ordinance; only remove. He had several concerns regarding a few properties and spoke about his concerns to the administration. Gordon asked for a legal opinion on sale of City owned property. Vincelette stated the chapter of city code on proposals, Section E, which states committee will evaluate and put to the council for consideration of approval or rejection. Cramer and Liccardi both agreed, council can either approve or reject it. Zalewski spoke about a call he received from a bidder. He voiced his concerns regarding the process and the deadline requirement for all bids and proposals. Gordon suggested the possibility of adding another ordinance to put on the properties in question. Zalewski spoke about property 214 4th St., 216-226 4th St. and Mr. DeFazio the excepted bidder. Zalewski then spoke about 365 1st St. A bidder contacted him and wanted to know why her bid was not accepted and it was $7,000.00 more than the approved bidder. Galuski spoke about this not being an easy process and they look at the big picture and if it benefits the neighborhood. He spoke in support of Jane Snay who he stated is an upstanding member of the community and very active with several neighborhood groups. He also stated not everyone is going to be happy but there are many more opportunities for other properties. Wiltshire stated the process needs to be refined and consistent. Galuski stated that several of Jane's family is already living on 1st St. and she intends to buy this for her daughter to live in. Gordon spoke about the lack of a check list or list of requirements to the process. He spoke about just being given a stack of proposals. He stated it's a flawed process. Doherty spoke about straying off topic which is to pass or reject the ordinance. He stated even if we wanted to give the property to others we can't. He then spoke in support of Mr. DeFazio and the future development of the property for his business. Zalewski asked one of the rejected bidders of 365 1st St. who was in attendance at the meeting her address. She spoke about herself, her bid being hirer and that she currently lives at 354 1st St. Zalewski motioned to remove 365 1st St. from ordinance 12 Wiltshire 2nd the motion. Bodnar asked if the financial supports were complete for the DeFazio proposal. Sharon Martin answered what she could about the financials. Kopka stated last month we sold a property based on a dream. Wiltshire asked Mr. DeFazio if he would answer some questions. DeFazio explained the funding he had for this business venture. He then stated how important his business, his family and the neighborhood is to him as well as the City of Troy. Wiltshire motioned to remove 769 River Zalewski 2nd the motion. Doherty asked Monica what the intention was for this property and how it affects the land bank. Monica stated the land promotes owner occupancy and what's best for the community. Gordon asked about the posting of one property and it being incorrect. Sharon martin stated it was incorrect and office error. Wiltshire asked the Mayor to take into consideration the council's recommendations to solidify the process. He also asked the possibility of adding the three properties spoken about tonight on a different ordinance for the council to vote on. Mayor stated he would put in back into the committee to reevaluate and have them report back to him. 1st Motion to amend to remove property 365 1st Street from list by Zalewski, 2"d by Wiltshire Amended Ordinance passed by a vote of 6 yes to 2 no (Galuski, Kopka) 2nd Motion to amend to remove property 769 River Street from list by Wiltshire, 2nd by Zalewski Amended Ordinance passed by a vote of 5 yes to 3 no (Galuski, Kopka, Teta) Ordinance passed by unanimous vote 13. Ordinance Authorizing and Directing Settlement of Claim 2014-69 to wit Anthony Busone v. City of Troy Ordinance passed by unanimous vote 14. Ordinance to Amend the FY 2015 Budget to Receive Federal Revenue in the Amount of $17,600 from the "Police Traffic Services Program," Grant Administered Through the NYS Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and Appropriate the Funds to the Troy Police Department Accounts in the same Amount for Expenditure Gordon stated due to a conflict he would abstain from voting on this ordinance. Ordinance passed by a vote of 7 yes 1 abstain (Gordon) 15. Ordinance to Amend the FY 2015 Budget to Receive Federal Revenue in the Amount of $7,300 from the "Bicycle Helmet Safety and Child Safety Program," Grant Administered Through the NYS Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and Appropriate the Funds to the Troy Police Department Accounts in the same Amount for Expenditure Gordon stated due to a conflict he would abstain from voting on this ordinance. Ordinance passed by a vote of7 yes 1 abstain (Gordon) Consideration of Resolutions: 5. TO BE UNTABLED- Bond Resolution of the City of Troy, New York Authorizing the Issuance of$3,537,411 in Serial Bonds to Finance a Capital Project Described in the Combined Sewer Overflow Long Term Control Plan. Doherty stated the council along with the administration should be using the finance of meetings to talk about the Cities financial state. Wiltshire stated starting in February a financial report will be part of the meeting. Resolution passed by unanimous vote 12. Resolution Appointing Commissioners of Deeds for the City ofTroy Resolution passed by unanimous vote 13. Resolution Confirming David Martin's Appointment to the Troy Community Land Bank. Gordon asked how they arrived at this appointment of this individual. Monica Kurzejeski stated it was the person that was chosen by council President and council members Robertson's due to her district. Kopka asked if there was a resume on file. Monica stated she had a hand written letter fmm the individual but not with her. Resolution passed by a vote of 5 yes to 3 no (Gordon, Bodnar, Kopka) 14. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the City Of Cohoes for the Purpose of Providing the use of an Unused Radio Frequency. Gordon asked for an explanation ofthis resolution. The Mayor stated that the City of Cohoes needed the frequency temporarily until they are set up. Wiltshire stated that he hopes they would now help Troy with any fires in the future if we needed them; unlike before. Resolution passed by unanimous vote Meeting Adjourn By Council Member Zalewski Seconded by Council Member Bodnar ADJOURNMENT 8:11pm A complete audio record of the Troy City Council Finance Committee meeting minutes is on file in the Troy City Clerks office. Troy City Clerk Cheryl Christiansen