City Council

Minutes of the Finance Meeting Troy City Council June 1, 2017 6:00 PM The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Council President Mantello Pledge – Council member Sullivan-Teta Council President Mantello introduced Teri Kippen, John Cubit, David Graham, and Michael Lashway of the Special Committee for the location of City Hall and thanked the committee. Roll Call: Council Member Gulli, Council Member Sullivan-Teta, Council Member McGrath, Council Member Bodnar, Council Member Doherty, Council Member Kopka, Council Member Donohue, Council Member Ashe-McPherson, Council President Mantello. In attendance were Mayor Madden, Deputy Mayor Kurzejeski, Corporation Council James Caruso, Deputy Comptroller Piotrowski, Superintendent of Public Utilities Chris Wheland, Deputy Corporation Counsel Vincelette, Chief Garrett, Assistant Chief McMahon and approximately five members of the public. Teri Kippen noted that Council member Kopka proposed excellent questions to the committee; however her questions should be answered in the next phase as they are beyond the scope of what the committee was charged. Ms. Kippen stated there are approximately twelve months left on the lease and further stated the property the committee identified with the most potential is the Italian Community Center (ICC). Ms. Kippen stated the current annual lease is$360,000 and noted that a loan for $1,000,000 for 15 years at 4% is approximately $7400 per month. She stated the asking price of the ICC is approximately $700,000 and in conclusion the committee feels that it is worth investigating. Council member Kopka stated she submitted fifteen questions to the committee that fell within the scope. Council President Mantello read the resolution appointing the Special Committee for the location of City Hall and stated the next step would be to speak with the administration about this report. Council member McGrath suggested that the Council President, the committee and the Mayor get together to review the report as the next step. Council member Kopka stated the ICC has 15,000 sq. ft. and the current city hall has 35,000 sq. ft. She questioned where the additional 20,000 sq. feet come from. Ms. Kippen stated that the committee’s research showed that much of the current space is unused and there could be consolidation of space. David Graham noted that the ICC is an open floor plan and be expandable. Council President Mantello stated she feels we are paying over what we should be paying and we need a permanent home and the ICC could be considered a government center and it should be explored. Mantello thanked the committee for doing a very good job. Consideration of Ordinances ORD #53 Ordinance Amending The 2017 General Fund Budget. Ordinance passes by a unanimous vote ORD #54 Ordinance Approving Settlement Of Tax Certiorari Proceedings Instituted By University Partners LLC On The Assessment Roll Of The City Of Troy. Deputy Corporation Counsel Vincelette explained that the Council approved this in February 2017 and since then he has renegotiated the deal and it will save a significant amount of money. He further stated that the monies are reallocated over the three parcels listed. Ordinance passes 7 yes, 2 no (Mantello, Sullivan-Teta) Consideration of Resolutions  RES #52 Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Execute A Memorandum Of Understanding For 2017 By And Between The City Of Troy And City Of Cohoes. Council President Mantello asked for examples of specific shared services are under this agreement. Deputy Mayor Kurzejeski stated the Department of Transportation notified the city we would have to maintain the bridges in the winter, 112th Street Bride lighting and CSO project. Council President Mantello asked if the council could be apprised monthly if there are any major projects. Council President Mantello asked if there are meetings with county for shared services. Deputy Mayor Kurzejeski responded that they met with the county on technology, engineering, and department of highway services. Resolution passes by a unanimous vote RES #53 Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Execute A Memorandum Of Understanding For 2017 By And Between The Village Of Green Island And City Of Troy. Resolution passes by a unanimous vote RES #54 Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Execute A Memorandum Of Understanding For 2017 By And Between The City Of Troy And City Of Watervliet. Resolution passes by a unanimous vote Council President Mantello stated ordinances #47, #48 and #49 for the fire boat were tabled and a motion was made to untable all three ordinances. The motion to untable ordinances #47, #48 and #49 passed by a unanimous vote. Council President Mantello noted we are selling Selkirk our boat for $51,000 and we are taking $4000 from contingency. Council member McGrath asked how much is in the budget transfer. Deputy Comptroller Piotrowski stated the boat was included in the Capital Plan. It was determined that our share is 25%, totaling $99,581. Council member McGrath asked Assistant Chief Eric McMahon why they needed a new boat. Assistant Chief Eric McMahon explained the current boat was purchased in 2010 and it is a jet propulsion boat and does not do well in a river setting due to the debris. Council member Ashe-McPherson asked how often the boat is used. Assistant Chief Eric McMahon explained the boat is used for training, search and rescue and in conjunction with NYS Police divers. ORD #47 Ordinance Authorizing The City Comptroller’s Office To Create A Capital Project Entitled Fire Boat And Amend The 2017 General Fund Budget And Capital Projects Fund Budget To Appropriate The Local Share Of Funding For Said Capital Project. Ordinance passes by a unanimous vote ORD #48 Ordinance Declaring Certain City Owned Property As Surplus And Directing The Comptroller To Dispose Of Said Property. Ordinance passes by a unanimous vote ORD #49 Ordinance Accepting Grant Funding From The United States Department Of Homeland Security And Amending The 2017 General Fund And Capital Projects Fund For Such Funding. Ordinance passes by a unanimous vote Adjournment Motion to adjourn - Sullivan-Teta, 2nd Bodnar Meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm An audio recording of this meeting is available in the City Clerk’s office Patti O’Brien City Clerk