City Council

TROY CITY COUNCIL FINANCE MEETING AGENDA September 7th, 2023 6:15 P.M. Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call Presentation of Agenda Public Forum RESOLUTIONS 88. A Resolution To Commemorate The Life Of William Earl Harrison, Sr., By Designating A Portion Of Seventh Avenue As “Earl Harrison Way” (Council President Mantello) 89. Resolution Appointing A Commissioner Of Deeds For The City Of Troy Council President Mantello) 1  RES88 A RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE THE LIFE OF WILLIAM EARL HARRISON, SR., BY DESIGNATING A PORTION OF SEVENTH AVENUE AS “EARL HARRISON WAY” WHEREAS, William Earl Harrison, Sr., was born on July 31, 1952, in Troy, New York, to his parents, Sylvester Eugene Harrison and Mary Francis Harrison; and WHEREAS, Earl grew up in the Ahern Apartments at Congress and Ferry Streets, and was a student at P.S. 5 at 1600 Seventh Avenue. He graduated from Troy High School as a standout tri-sport athlete in 1971 and went to work for Bendix in Green Island, New York. Earl also obtained a part time position at the Troy Boys and Girls Club at 1700 Seventh Avenue, where he made an immediate impact working with the youth of the community and eventually became the Club’s Athletic Director; and WHEREAS, Earl’s gift was soon spotted by his respected mentor and friend Roy Pompey and he was guided to a position in the Troy City School District, starting as an Aide at the City’s Alternative Learning Center at School 1. He then obtained his NYS Teaching Assistant Certification and dedicated 32 years to the Troy School District as well as his entire adult life to uplifting young people all over the Capital District; and WHEREAS, Earl was a respected referee and umpire for countless youth sporting events around the Capital District and assisted in coaching basketball at two of the community’s notable schools, Troy High School and Lasalle Institute. In addition to receiving many other community awards and achievements over the years, he also was an avid bowler in a local bowing league hosted at Uncle Sam Lanes, where he was able to bowl a perfect game and earn a spot in the Bowling Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, Earl provided rides to senior members of Bethel Baptist Church at 2165 Fifth Avenue, where he also was an active member. In recent years, he became a beloved Lyft driver and would often pick up former students or “clubgoers” around Troy; and WHEREAS, Earl mentored youth for decades and guided many children into successful adult lives, and then guided their offspring who are now adults with their own children. He built his legacy through his passion and commitment to helping those around him, especially our future generations. He was a community leader and friend who was respected not only for his gifts, but for his work ethic as a mentor to children around the Capital District. He was a magnetic personality who always saw the good in people and provided encouragement to all he met; and  RES88 WHEREAS, Seventh Avenue between State Street and Congress Street holds special significance to Earl’s memory as it is where his legacy began. Not only did he live, attend school, and work in the nearby buildings, but it is where he was able to fulfill his natural life calling, connecting to others by being a positive light and mentor to countless people around the capital region, and leading so many of them onto the path of success and opportunity over the well-lived years of his life; and WHEREAS, Earl passed away on August 13, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at Samaritan Hospital; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Troy desires to pay respect and tribute to the memory and legacy of William Earl Harrison, Sr., and to honor his many contributions and long service to our community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the portion of Seventh Avenue between State Street and Congress Street shall bear the honorary designation of “Earl Harrison Way”; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this honorary designation shall not alter or change in any way the official street name of Seventh Avenue, nor in any way alter the official City map. Approved as to form, _______________________ , 2023 ______________________________________________ Richard T. Morrissey, Corporation Counsel  RES89 RESOLUTION APPOINTING A COMMISSIONER OF DEEDS FOR THE CITY OF TROY BE IT RESOLVED, that the Troy City Council hereby appoints the following named individual, further identified in the application attached hereto and made a part hereof, as Commissioner of Deeds for the City of Troy, for a two-year term beginning on September 8, 2023, and ending on September 7, 2025. Colleen M. Hayes 1600 7th Avenue Troy, New York 12180 Approved as to form, ________________________, 2023 ______________________________________________ Richard T. Morrissey, Corporation Counsel RES89