Heat. Hey, Heat.
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Heat. Heat.
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[Applause]
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Heat. Heat. N.
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Heat. Heat.
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I'd like to call orders. Connecticut
council committee meeting for Monday,
August 18th, 2025.
And the first committee is public
safety.
>> So, I'd like to call to order the public
safety committee. We have four items on
the agenda tonight. First of which is
the grant award for GTSC child passenger
safety program.
All right. Good evening, Lieutenant
Scott Police Department. Um, sorry, I'm
taking up some of your space here.
>> Just trying to organize my paper here.
>> All right. So, uh, the first item up is
a grant award for the Governor Traffic
Safety Committee for the Child Passenger
Safety Program.
The police department has been awarded
$6,200 uh in state funding to
participate participate in the uh
statewide child passenger safety
program. Uh it's an initiative focused
to ensure that children are transported
safely in vehicles. In short, money is
going to be used to promote the proper
use of car seats. Um help people install
them, put on events for free
installations, provide car seats, uh
education, things of that nature. Um
again money comes from the GTSC in
partnership with uh Department of Motor
Vehicles and there is no match from the
city.
>> Thank you. Any question or comments
here?
>> Um so we talked about this a little bit
at the committee at the legislative
conference. So right now we don't have
any seats to buy. We have some left
over. You want to just talk about
>> correct? So this is the first time we're
actually as a police department getting
this grant. Um, we were in partnership
with uh another organization that
received it for us. So, we still have
some a trailer full of well, it was full
of car seats. Um, I don't know exactly
how many car seats this is going to
purchase. I know they give them to us at
a discounted rate, so we'll have plenty.
We haven't ran out in the 3 years that
I've known about it. So, um, ultimately
what we're going to do is that money is
going to go mostly towards events. um
we'll kind of piggyback some of the
citywide events that are happening uh
set up a tenant, offer our services,
what have you. So
this is okay. So this sounds like an
amazing thing here. I just quick
question. I don't know if this is the
appropriate uh way to communicate some
of this, but I I have seen and this is
just online. I don't think that we've
had this issue here locally, but like
where parents are in the hustle bustle
thing of leaving their kids in cars. Um
I wonder if this would be an opportunity
where we could do some prevention work
around those things just messaging for
people. I don't know. But did you see
like that something that fits in with
this or
>> I haven't seen the education material.
Sorry, I didn't mean to cut you off. No,
I haven't seen the material that comes
with uh the education part of it. Um,
but I can obviously talk to our traffic
division, lieutenant sergeant, and see
if they can incorporate that. Look at
it. Um, obviously that's a great
concern. I never want to see that
happening. So,
>> thank you,
>> Mr. Parker.
>> Yes. So, you said that you um um
attached to other citywide events. Does
the police department put on any events
on its own just so that people can come
there for that purpose and that purpose
only?
>> Since we've never had the stream before?
No.
>> Well, but we may.
>> But you had car seats before. So, how
was that communicated to the public?
>> Most to be honest, most of the time it
was uh the hospitals were in contact
with us. We hadn't uh the the program
hadn't been very well established. We
had some certified installers. Um but
most of the time it was just people
reaching out to us most of the time
through hospitals. uh they're letting us
know, you know, they have an individual
who just had a baby, they're in need, or
people are contacting us preemptively,
like their due date is not too far away
and they're going to need a car seat
installed. Um so, prior to this, I'm not
aware that we had any events, but it's a
good recommendation for the traffic
division and I will certainly get back
to them on that.
>> I forgot a trailer on the phone.
>> Yeah.
>> Thank you.
>> Of course. Any other questions or
comments? Uh hearing none, I may have a
motion. So moved.
>> I'll second. All those in favor? I
>> uh the second item is a DHS tactical
team grant program.
» All right. Uh excuse me. The second
grant that the city of Connecticut
Police Department has been awarded is a
$75,000
federal grant through uh Department of
Homeland Security. Um, this money is
provided to help improve and develop uh
tactical teams throughout the area for
the purchase of equipment and anything
that uh kind of helps support their
needs towards uh counterterrorism
efforts. This is the second year in a
row we've been awarded this. There's
lots of criteria that goes into meeting
the standards to qualify for this um
which our current commander has gone to
great lengths and spent countless hours
um ensuring that we are in compliance
and meeting the standards. So um there's
a lot on that end. So this is a uh it's
for lack of a better term on the back
end to uh be able to purchase new
equipment.
>> Sure.
>> Thank you. Uh, Mr. Bill,
>> you said that um this is for tactical
teams throughout the area. Is sketch
this only going to be for the city of
Skenkity? The
>> actual $75,000
>> to use only within the city.
>> Correct.
>> Thank you.
>> Any other questions or comments? Hearing
seeing none, I have a motion.
>> So move.
>> I will second. All those in favor?
>> I The next item is the explosive
detection K19 grant program.
All right.
This is also another Department of
Homeland Security grant. Uh we've been
awarded $32,000 in federal funding uh to
obtain an explosive detection K9 uh
excuse me, it's for an explosive
detection K9 team. Uh so with this
money, we'll be able to obtain uh
purchase an explosive uh detection K9,
train them. Uh the other money is going
towards um training tools and um any of
the uh material needs for the dog,
collars, harnesses, all those things. Uh
some of the money is also going to go
towards back filling for overtime, I
believe. I have to look. Um
>> just to cover the officer while they're
away or so have you. Um,
we currently don't have an explosive
detection K9. Um, we only have a drug
K9. So, one of the benefits of this dog
is um there's a lot of public safety
surrounding it. They not only detect
explosives, but also guns. Um, they're
going to be trained in tracking. So, if
people flee from us that we're looking
for or someone committed burglary, what
have you, um, and they run, we can use
the dog. They're a great tool. They uh
in partnership I know with the Skeny
County who has these dogs, they do
sweeps around all the major events prior
to the event, during the event and so
have you. Um looking for any bombs that
have been placed prior to so there's a
lot of benefits to having a K9.
>> Thank you. Any question or comments? I
just want to point out that he did uh
the uh he said that the um overtime was
in there so it is listed there's a
budget attached so we see that they did
give us that. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Uh any other questions or
comments? where where would you would
you purchase the K9 and what's the
typical training time where the uh the
K9 is can be um assigned to the first
question where
>> yeah so there's multiple uh like
organizations breeders if you will
around the country for the most part
that do this it's all about timing so
you kind of find who has one when you're
available to purchase um I know they I
believe they have one lined up and with
a backup uh just in case things fall
through. But they have to catch the dog
at the right age um in the right point
of their life. The training for it um
I don't quote me on this, but I believe
it's 6 months and it's I believe the
state police hosts it. So, it's a pretty
intensive training.
>> Thank you.
Any other questions or
comments? Hear not. I have a motion.
>> I move it.
>> Second. All those in favor?
>> I. And the last agenda item is going to
be an update by the Civilian Police
Review Board.
» Denine Palmir,
chair of the Skenctity CPRB. First up, I
guess we are to talk about the cases
that have been reviewed. I put the cases
in the whole listing on everybody's
chair. That way, you would have them. To
date, there's been eight cases that have
been reviewed. This is only through
June. I did not do July or August, but
I'm not that far ahead of things, but
January through June. There are eight
cases reviewed, 10 violations.
Um, four policy, three procedure, one
use of force, two discourtesy. I think
the important thing to realize here and
to note is that although they there
weren't complaints, there were two other
sustained policy violations that once
the officers had reviewed um OPS had
reviewed the case and the camera
footage, they found two policy
violations which they then brought
against the police officers. Um and
there was one other sustained policy
violation.
I know you haven't had time to review
those, but if you have any questions,
I'm open to answering them.
» Oh, sorry.
>> It's okay. So, I know that there was
some concerns about having a quorum. So,
have you missed any meetings in time
frame? Um, since we've been in the air,
you're not able to make the quum.
>> We have not. it we have not but it is
part of the ordinance discussion that we
would like to change in the proposed
ordinance at one point because currently
the way the ordinance is written there
are supposed to be nine members um and
regardless of the amount of members
there's still a quorum of five
>> which is sometimes problematic currently
we have seven members but one of them is
a holdover right we have an opening um
the NAACP has an opening and sun turned
in their membership and we're waiting
for someone from the city to be
appointed
Um, the NAACP's nominee did not come
through because they did not reside in
the city of Skenctity, which is part of
the ordinance.
>> It didn't go through from the mayor's
office.
>> It did not, but part of our ordinance is
that they must live within the city
limits.
>> Mhm.
>> So,
>> thank you. Uh, Miss Mayor,
>> so you said
the quorum is still the quorum is still
five um regardless of whether you hit
the nine is what you're saying. Yes.
Okay. I just want
>> So when we have six members and
somebody's on vacation, we're calling
around making sure everyone will be
there
>> and we hold the meeting. If someone's a
few minutes late, half hour, whatever,
it's just it's harder.
>> Yeah. Yeah.
>> Because the the code calls for nine.
>> Yeah. So
>> Well, because the code calls the quorum
calls for five regardless.
>> Well, the code calls for nine. So five
would be a quorum.
>> Yes.
Are you so are you we're going to talk a
little bit more?
>> Yeah, if you want something else.
>> No, I want to know if you today you're
going to talk about trying to change
that or is that coming a later
discussion?
>> Um I think that was part of the thing
the ordinance changes that we wanted to
also it was I think there were three
things. What's happening? What have we
been doing?
Ordinance suggestions that are not being
brought today but should just be
discussed, right? Is that okay? So, I
kicked it off with here's the status of
the cases that we've reviewed. Next up,
I had listed just a list of activities
that the CPRB has been up to and doing.
Um,
it's kind of just an overview of what's
happening with us. One of the things
that's also January through June, um,
I'm going to jump to what we have been
up to because I think it's pretty
exciting. July, January through June, we
did a lot of work on trying to come up
with what the CPRB what we're our goals,
right? We're supposed to be out in the
community. we're supposed to be doing
this. We're supposed to be meeting the
community where they are. And currently
the way it was set up, we are not doing
that, right? We're not going out. We're
not doing this. So, first thing is how
do we market ourselves and to the
community? So, since then, we have had a
logo approved by corporation council. It
is up there uh behind you on the little
runner that's goes with our tables and
our tablecloths. Um we've had pens,
magnets, we're looking at business
cards. We now have an email address that
is chair skenctity cprbgmail.com.
It'll transfer all the way down to
whoever happens to be in charge. Um just
in case they want to file a complaint
and do so by email
and we're hoping to take this sort of
show on the road. We have developed a
PowerPoint pitch that talks about the
organization and what we're doing uh
that has been presented to one
organization thus far. What I did find
interesting and just for statistics, one
of the things that we talk about is the
CPRB and its role as it relates to other
organizations and cities. One of the
things we hear the key limitations are
that we don't have subpoena power and a
variety of other things. But I likened
our size 67,000
uh population.
Most people compare us to the Alb CPRB,
right? It's just it's a neighboring
town. But Mount Vernon also has advisory
only CPRB. Pikipsy, Bingmpington, and
Udica have naturally no formal oversight
board for the police review board. Just
a statistic that I think is interesting
when people talk about the CPRB and our
role.
» Any questions?
>> And I'll just last natural point of
discussion. Would you mind just talking
about just references to sending members
on consecutive years to the NOL?
>> Right. So, we're a member of the Nquille
by ordinance and um this year we have
two members going to the conference.
Last year I attended the conference and
part of as chair what we've tried to do
is make sure that different people have
the opportunity to attend the conference
for educational purposes. This year
there's two going um that have never
been before. Um Keith St. John
and Harleen Andress
are attending this year. Um, in
addition, right, we're we're trying to
get our marketing material up and
running so that we can get out there
into the community and meet people where
they are.
>> I just briefly looked at your um the
brochure. So, I thought that there were
more than I only see two places that
with the police department, which people
are filing against in the office of the
mayor. There are no other places that
people can file a complaint.
>> Well, getting the complaint form seems
to be difficult. Not everybody seems to
have exact hours in their building in
their buildings, right? So, the library
doesn't seem to have the complaint form
and until it is revised, which the
revisions have been sent back to the
police department and they're supposed
to be doing it in Spanish as well. Um,
those are the two locations where it's
easiest to pick up. I mean, I supposedly
the library is supposed to have them,
but they don't. Um, the NAA is supposed
to have them, but they don't. The Human
Rights Commission is supposed to have
them. They don't have hours, regular
hours
>> at the Human Rights Commission.
» Um, so
it seems to me that that that we should
figure out a way where like they're even
just there you can pick them up like the
registration forms. You don't have to be
like at the library when they're open
and they're open often.
>> They are. like you if you just pick one
up and just locations where people can
actually pick them up as opposed to us
saying it has to be a certain time
because city hall closes as well
>> and police department doesn't they do
have that um but so I think that we uh
it would be probably better to expand
where people can get them um even if if
they go to the county building and the
human rights commission itself isn't
open but the county building is open
there'd be some place so I really think
we should expand that was I know it was
longer than this. Um and and maybe even
people can get it online.
>> It was longer than that in their other
brochure, but then we went back to the
basics and read where they were and they
weren't available there. So, this is
sort of And by the way, this isn't
really final. This is a printout that I
did because it's changing constantly and
I don't want to spend the city's money
on having brochures printed that are
constantly evolving at this point. So,
I've been printing them out 10 or 20 at
a time.
>> Smart. So, I really think that we should
consider trying to have them in more
locations uh that quite frankly if
people are more comfortable going as
opposed to, you know, going to the
police department because they're filing
uh complaint against the police. So,
that for some people might be a little
intimidating.
>> Yeah.
>> So, if we could figure out places we
could just have the the uh have them and
is it possible to have them online? Do
are they online?
>> They are online. You can still print it
down through the city's website and the
CPRB's website. Um, which the team here
has at the city has been great about
keeping updated with all of our new
things as they come up. Um, there's a form there. The form is being
updated though as we speak. We were just
doing
>> I'm sorry. Um, Councilman, when did we
sent it over to the chief with some
revisions?
>> Uh, the date. Yes.
>> I think it was June 9th. So, we're
waiting for those revisions and then
it's going to be translated going to be
translated into Spanish.
>> Okay. And people can mail these in as
well. So, I think we should note that as
well because maybe that will take away
some of that. But, um, if we could look
at council member some ways to have in
other locations, I think that would be
extremely helpful. Not that we're
getting that many complaints, but just
broadening where people can pick up and
then file.
>> Absolutely. I think Miss Patrick.
>> Well, can I just ask so for example the
library? I mean they don't have them but
do they not have them because the thing
is under revision right now? Is that
why?
>> I I don't think they have them and we
can talk about this in the ordinance is
the fact that the CPRB is all volunteer
and we've been trying to update these.
So getting them distributed and out and
about and updated has not been it's
something that we're doing on our
volunteer time.
>> I'd be happy to help with the libraries
if you need that. Great when you're when
you're ready. I mean actually it would
just be obviously the ones that are
within the city but um unless you wanted
them in all the nine branches but um you
can tell me that later but I'm happy to
drop them.
>> I think wherever wherever we can meet
people where they are as um you
mentioned meeting we don't have a lot of
complaints but is that because there
aren't issues or because they don't know
that we're there. Um that's, you know,
one of the things that we're hoping that
by getting out there and attending
community events, they will learn that
we're there. Um recently there was
enough publicity that someone reached
out to me directly to take a complaint.
Right. We can do that and it was
submitted to for review.
>> Okay.
And I would just say that that caption
is the response of government that I
think a lot of us around this table and
also within the city just come to expect
just how do we acknowledge where we are
but also continue to improve our
processes and I believe this is one of
the ways that I haven't seen since I've
been on the council and been a part of
the CPRB. So definitely I appreciate the
work that you and the board are
currently doing. Um, as you mentioned, I
think there are often references to the
Albany uh chapter um some ballot and I
think for some uh unsubstantiated
reasons, but I appreciate what our city
is doing in trying to continue to put
forth a positive effort. Uh, and I
believe that although our complaints may
not fully represent where the city is,
uh, these types of efforts, these
community engagement opportunities, I
think that leads some credibility to
support some of the findings that we do
understand and know. Um so unless there
are any other questions.
>> Yeah. So I just um number one um through
referrals like so where where are the
certifications that you are getting like
if you could and I don't expect you to
have this off top of head but like are
you seeing like a lot of referrals
coming from agencies or individuals or
how does that work?
>> Mainly from the individuals doing the
report to the police department.
>> Okay. Okay.
>> Yeah. I mean, let me through the state
attorney general's office, right? You
can get a complaint there. However,
sometimes those have to go through their
internal processes to get to us. We
recently just reviewed two that were a
year old that they didn't get to us for
a year.
>> Okay?
>> So, it just takes time if they file it
because you can file a complaint with
the attorney general's office against
the police department and it will get to
us.
>> It just doesn't come as swiftly.
So what happens when um
someone puts forth a complaint and then
the complaint is like founded like
what's the next steps?
>> So based on this we had say well we have
a complaint there. I'll just talk to the
one case that we had a sustained
violation in and that officer you know
it went through the unions and the stuff
and he was reprimanded um ended up
losing three vacation days based on
policy violation. Right. still it's not
our our place as the CPRB to implement
the um
change behaviors or whatever you want to
say that um that happened but it does go
to the council the union reps and
everyone to come up with a particular
punishment shall we say
>> okay you also said that like we're often
compared to Albany um something that you
highlight is that Albany has subpoena in
the power, but we don't have that. But
there's also other uh
comparable uh review boards that don't
have any official oversight capacity at
all. Um was that us not having subpoena
power? Was that just how it was written
when things were initiated? Is that
something that you'd like to see change
or
>> So, it's interesting in the in within
the ordinance, it talks about the
subpoena power and says that we could
use the city council to elicit the
subpoena power, but it's an interesting
contradiction because they call it a
double blind review. And they say, but
you should have an investigator. Well,
if we hire an investigator, it's not a
double blind review. So, I'm not sure
how that works within this the way the
ordinance is currently working. So we So
it says in an ordinance that you do have
subpoena.
>> No, it says we could use the city
council
>> in order
>> and then the city council could issue a
subpoena based upon our I think that's
the way it's written.
>> That's true.
>> But if it's written the way it's not our
true function of how to So would
>> is that something that uh the the board
would like to have is direct?
>> I don't I don't I don't I don't think
that they're right currently that we're
asking for direct subpoena power. Mhm.
>> Um, currently I think that's could be a
change if we see the cases
increase and there's an issue that comes
up, but currently that we're not seeing
that. And I have to say that OPS is is
sustaining the violations and then
they're finding their own within their
review.
>> Um, and when we ask to go back and
review body camera, street cameras,
etc., they always comply within 30 to 60
days of getting us the redacted camera
footage.
In regards to the review of the camera
footage, etc., who reviews that? The
entire body. How um who reviews that? If
you want to review for a case,
>> it's the entire body is invited.
>> Okay.
>> The entire body is invite invited. The
last case we reviewed, five of us showed
up. So, all except for two.
>> Mhm.
And then if I can add the definitely a
point of clarification is the office of
professional standards. They do a
sincere job with seeing every complaint
through to completion bubble which was a
part of that as a sergeant and that's
where we've come to develop our
professional relationship. But sincerely
the important onus I think is put on
complaints. Please put valid contact
information because that is sincerely
the true means of how that department
can get in touch with you to give you
updates along the process and also
supply like just a summation or
summarization of what's happened. But
often times you hear that they're unable
to get in contact with some of these
individuals. Uh I think it's based on
how the complaint form is written or it
does have a very negative connotation to
it whereas like you mess up an
information or misconvey detail that the
police department is going to seek like
legal ramifications against you and
that's truly not the case but um how you
see it based is based on where you sit.
Uh so wanting to see those revisions
just so it not welcomes complaints but
presents a different uh view to
individuals who truly feel that they
were u disenfranchised or treated in a
negative way. uh but sincerely the
office of professional standards they do
see these complaints through to
completion and I think in this uh review
uh which we can just attach to uh the
meeting if the public would like to see
it uh if it's appropriate I think it
shows what Miss Potterer has said um
there are cases where uh complaints have
been sustained and there have been
plausible outcomes in the benefit of the
community
>> but if there are no other questions or
concerns She
quickly do I just highlight some of the
ordinance changes that were
>> I apologize.
>> Okay.
>> The city code. Yes. Um so based upon the
way this was written and taking into
account that this was written back in
2001, right? Things have changed. Okay.
>> Right. So the board um is supposed to
have two exeicio uh non- voting members,
a member of the public the public safety
commissioner and a citizen at large
appointed by city council. those that
has never that doesn't happen. So, um I
don't know if it needs to remain.
>> I thought Mr. um Miss Patrick
>> Ke St. John I thought Ke was our
appointee.
>> Yes,
>> he is the city council's nominee to the
board, but this is an exopicio non
voting member that also city.
>> That's what it says.
>> Okay.
Oh, we got
>> section 934
non- voting members from the public the
public safety commissioner and a citizen
at large appointed to the city council,
but it's a non- voting member.
>> So, this person has never
>> No, he doesn't come.
>> No. As a matter of fact, I looked up his
name today because I'm going to invite
him to come speak.
>> Oh, well then that might be why he
hasn't shown up.
>> No, just recently.
>> Just so you
>> Okay,
>> Mr. Chairman, you can just that as it's
written, it's just a matter of
appointing another exeicio member to the
board, right?
>> You know, it's it's there. So, it's just
a matter of doing a resolution at some
point, just appointing an as an exeicial
member.
>> But we we were also kind of on the side
discussing that we the public safety
commissioner is also written in there,
>> right? We have a public safety
commissioner as an exeicial man.
>> Yes. Do we have a public safety
commissioner?
>> Yes. Yeah.
>> I thought Didn't you invite us to
something?
>> He's the public safety commissioner,
>> but he's still going to be in that role.
>> Yeah.
>> Okay. Okay.
>> Okay. Next was the quorum, which we've
quickly addressed that. I think that we
need to look at that based upon the
number of
members that are appointed. It's been
taking a while. Um right now, just for
instance, Sycamore Collaborative, their
person was up in February. They were
notified in December that this person
would be done by February. Sharon has
been lovely at studying, but she keeps
asking me every month, have they found a
member? Have they found a member?
>> Um, and that hasn't happened and it's
August. Um, we're trying to find, you
know, we we change the ordinance a bit
to allow for the city to appoint
someone, but that, you know, we were
trying to let them hold on to their
seat, but we're getting to the point
that they may not be able to hold that
seat that we're going to have to say
city council should appoint someone. But
there is already an appointee missing
and that was Suns when they gave up
>> their position. So we already have Sun
out there not having someone and then we
have the NAACP's nominee who couldn't
step in because of that and then we'd
have Sycamore collaborative which would
then put us back down to six.
» So there was also the process where
we're talking about having an alternate.
So none of these organizations well
NAACP had an alternate but since the
main person couldn't come you know the
alternate couldn't be there so none of
the organizations are putting forth an
alternate it doesn't seem so based upon
the appointments I've seen the
appointment letters there doesn't seem
to be uh a listing that this other
person is part of that um
>> with the exception of the NAACP where
they put forth to
>> okay
let's take a look at that
Um so the other part is 9311 says that
the board shall encourage and facilitate
mediation of any complaint. Well that
hasn't happened. Um it says that we
should should have a list of approved
mediators and their qualifications.
Um and then 9312 says that we should
have the power to independently review
complaints. And again, this goes to the
subpoena power, but if we have to
operate under a double blind system,
that negates one another. So, I think
there just needs to be a review of the
wording and how that is done and what we
would like. It calls for an annual
independent audit by a consultant
selected by the board of all the
complaints and their investigations each
year.
That has not been done either. Um, and
then the board shall charge and oversee
its paid staff.
No.
» And I know it's not in here because
obviously it would be a budgetary item,
>> but it budgeted supposedly the
investigator was that would have been a
paid staff, but there's no investigator.
>> Right. Right. Um, and then this was
interesting and I don't know if it needs
to be reviewed or if it was when it was
established, but it says the mayor and
the city council shall each appoint 10
Skenctity residents to an advisory
committee for an ongoing study and
subsequent recommendations to the police
review board.
I don't know of an advisory.
>> I believe that is when they first
established it. Um, so I don't know if
the wording should explain it better,
but that was when it was first set.
>> Okay.
>> Um it's my understanding that
>> those are those are the high points of
the ordinance changes where we can kind
of reviewing and looking at
>> and since we uh kind of graciously
skirted across budget uh any potential
conversations how are you spending down?
>> So yeah, so I think LA last year's
budget was $15,000. This year we are
sending two staff two sorry staff two
board members to the NQL conference. Um
and obviously we've started the
marketing and Sarah Hughes has been
wonderful at getting us the marketing
materials. I send her a logo and a link
to something and the next thing I know
stuff arrives at my house. So we have
tables and chairs and obviously runners.
Um and we did get two sets of everything
so that the vice chair Keith St. John
also has a set of the same types of
things at his house because we weren't
sure that there was an appropriate area
for us to house this so that anyone
could get to it. So, we each have a
table, tablecloth, runner, pens,
magnets. Um, we're looking at cards. We
held off on the cards because I wanted
it to have just a unified email address
on it and not listed to the chair or
someone.
>> So, those will be next. So I think cost
will be the attendance at a variety of
events, right? Paying those fees to have
tables and tableabling and being out in
the community.
Mley,
>> do you think that a a small stipen would
uh encourage people to um
participate and do so more a little more
uh robustly than what's happening now?
>> You know, that that's always a good
question. Um, probably one that hurts my my heart a little is someone who
volunteers and believes in volunteerism
um and the commitment of volunteerism as
a volunteer board if you commit to it. I
would hope that you would meet those
commitments.
>> So would it enhance it?
>> It may. Um, but I would, as you look at
what we do, I would like to put in place
a job description. Then before we did
so, before we offered a stipen, do a job
description that highlights what the
person is supposed to be doing as part
of the stipend. Um, unilaterally, just
going across the board. And I know that
because I I have met with other civilian
review boards and last year at the NARL
conference talked to uh quite a few that
do have stipens. Um some have ended up
with problematic stipens because they've
given it at the first of the year and
then the person drops and those that
have to do it then they have to do a
monthly stipen which becomes different
for the city as a a monthly type of
thing. So while I am in agreement that
it could help, I'd like to farret that
out a little further before saying yes,
I think this is it, but how do we
institute it in a way that ensures that
the person who doesn't get, you know,
say it was whatever, $1,000, but then I
have them leave and this person then
gets $1,000 and I just don't want to
spend the city's money.
>> Yeah.
I I think also I mean I think it really
would have to be well thought out
because also how do you I mean who's
going to hold the person accountable um
how do you is there going to be a time
sheet I mean how would they what is what
if person A comes to every meeting does
all the work um etc but person B hasn't
shown up at all does that person still
get the stipen who makes those decisions
>> and when right do you get the stipen at
the end of the year after you have
contributed to the through the year. I'd
love to see it fared out as well. I
think that it it is an important thing
and I do think it could be possible.
>> So, Mr. Further, so a couple things like
so I think about
so there are other kind of boards that
uh that offer stip for lack of a better
term. So, I think that some of that you
know we could look at like the success
and how we manage those things. But I
think overall like when we're talking
about uh a position such as this, it is
a very important position,
but including a stipen sometimes uh
allows not sometimes but offer up more
access to this because a lot of people
in our community um might have the heart
of a val volunteer but don't have the
time or the financial means to do so.
And a lot of times um as far as
representation goes on boards like this
uh you know a lot of times that people
who are in are from marginalized
communities are the representation that
we're seeking because the the
statistically those are the people who
will be more impacted by some level of
misconduct. So, it's also like kind of
like knowing our audience, if we will,
and then making sure that we're not um
unintentionally not including access for
someone to participate in a board like
this because of their current financial
situation. That that can be a
dealbreaker for someone who has a great
part of that volunteer, but needs to
pick up that extra shift at the store or
whatever they're working at in order to
sit uh to maintain their lifestyle.
>> Right. Again, I'm I'm all in at a job
description and sort of the the idea of
meeting those qualifications. Um, we've
had a couple of instances in the past
year where um we've had to remove board
members for lack of participation.
Right. It is part of the the overall
thing. I do my best to try to keep them
updated as to their attendance um and
the requirements of the position, but it
doesn't help us if we can't meet the the
role of the organization. So that's
>> no we're going to make the same point
Mr. Fleman and we do have other boards
that give siphons so we could look at
how they manage it. We've had um
situations where something similar come
up on other boards. So we should be able
to manage it if in fact uh a siphon
is something that we would end up doing
uh for this particular board.
>> Absolutely. There are no other questions
or uh comments. definitely would like to
thank him as volunteer on top of being a
volunteer. Uh hurting pets per se is not
a is an easy task and sincerely uh this
work is very important. I've seen her
attend meetings virtually, not as a
voting member, but just to ensure that
her presence is still felt on meetings
and just want to say thank you.
>> Thank you for having a lot of work.
That's great.
>> Thank you for having us. We hope to do
that and if the budget is part of that
statement, we can certainly welcome it.
I'm not saying that we wouldn't. I'm
just saying as as we go forth, it would
certainly help getting people to deliver
the items needed to be. I'm just going
to take my little table runner.
>> Okay.
>> On my way out.
>> Thank you.
>> Uh there's no action needed with that
item. So there are no further uh
discussion points for the public to
adjourn.
>> So moved.
>> I'll second. All those in favor? I we
are here.
>> Sure. I'd like to call to order the
finance committee. We have three items
on the agenda tonight. First of which is
the National New York EV make ready
program CD50002-
India Alpha 1769.
Thank you.
» All right. Um
this is
um
we have an electric vehicle project
going down going on down at Urian Union.
Um it's addressed as one 112 um South
College Street. However, it's
essentially if you're looking at
Clinton's Ditch, that little triangle
lot in front, um it's going to be in
there. It actually was I misspoke during
a meeting the other day. It was
originally closest to Union Street. now
has been shifted to basically the tip
closer to Burger. Um but ultimately this
was a grant from uh National Grid been
awarded very specific number of
$327,379.98
uh for the installation of four DC FC
charging station plugs um in the area I
just discussed. Again, there's no match
from the city. This is uh in combination
with um
couple other grants that we had already
put through and been approved on um
Department of Energy grant which is
ultimately going to cover cover our
costs. Um
so what this is going to do, what this
grant ultimately is for is going to pay
for um
the upgrade of the service through
national grid. Um due to the large
amount of power that's going to be drawn
from it um and then the other grant
money is going to go towards the
equipment and the contractor performing
the work.
>> Any questions or comments for
>> So is this a city law?
That's a great question.
>> Yes.
>> Thank you.
>> So, it's the one that's like like when
you want to go if you want to go kind of
like that curving thing.
>> Yeah. It's the lot between Erie
Boulevard and that road that splits in
front of Clint. It's literally a little
wedge, little triangle.
>> All right. Just wanted to make sure it
was city lot. And my only other question
I don't expect you to say to know is
there any comprehensive plan citywide
with respect to addressing the EP
considerations from Steve?
>> You are correct. You know what is going
on? Um this is um to be honest I'm not
exactly 100% sure why the police
department is involved in this project.
This isn't a police department project.
Um Chief was asked to look into this and
if you all know Chief Whipple, but he's
an all-star and he doesn't clearly say
no. So, he hit the ground running,
figured it out, and here we are getting
a whole boatload of money to update some
EV charging or provide and update
electricity and EV charging stations
around the city. He's currently working
on one right now to get some chargers
outside of the station, but this is not
that. This is completely separate. So
without putting that comment and you on
the spot since you actually made this I
shared the same uh thought process um is
there a better um position or department
suited for this type of work? Um I
imagine it is in respect to some of the
staffing concerns throughout the city uh
city hall be specific but hopefully we
can have some discussions around that
budgetarily speaking not
>> um any other questions or comments
regarding
>> just regarding that um Mr. Kucho who
used to who was our assigned
superintendent signal superintendent did
um the past EV stuff that we got
installed that was something that he was
doing. So it's good point that we should
try to figure out if it's should it be
the police department where should that
fail.
>> Regardless of what body work a person
submits.
Um if there are no other questions or
comments. Can I have a motion to uh
>> I I'll make the motion to uh accept this
funding.
>> I will second. All those in favor?
>> I I The next item on discussion is a
discussion regarding citywide
re-evaluation. Miss
» Good evening everybody. Um it for the
course of the time that I have been here
at the city um we've gone from a
equalization rate uh at a high of 123%
um to 60.39%
now. Um some of it you know I mean it's
obviously due to the um how well the
market's been doing but having an
equalization rate that continues to fall
um at such a dramatic
um rate is going to cause us some
problems in terms of like economic
stability in the city. um you know I I
put on the back of the um on the back of
the form that I submitted in the packets
um there's a bullet there's a bullet
point list that kind of describes what
happens or what the equalization rate
does
>> but you know it can affect our bond
rating um it can uh it certainly has
shown an effect on what the county uses
like the city tax rate for county
purposes um because we've fallen at such
a dramatic rate. We are we end up car uh
covering the majority of the tax rate
compared to our uh neighbors in the in
the um in the county. So, um I you know
I kind of when I was speaking with Miss
Porter um last week, we talked about
just opening this up for a discussion.
Um it's you know I mean it's a big thing
to think about. It's an expensive thing
to think about, but we're going to the
market really isn't the market is still
pretty hot. Um, and I don't know that
we're going to see anything changing or
at least it going back up anytime soon
without us physically doing something to
change that.
>> Um, I'm not really sure. You know, I'm
happy to answer questions or talk more
about it. You know, there's a lot of
information in here. Um, there's a lot
of companies that we could go, you know,
we can get an RFP from, we can take a
look at. Um I you know I got a a quote
from someone um who said you know a city
of our size it would probably cost um
upwards of 2 million to really um get
all of the resources. There's there's
different levels. Um, I know that if
even if we enter into this conversation,
the biggest problem or the biggest
challenge we have is that our data is is
really, you know, I mean, we've got a
lot of stuff going on in the city where
people don't get building permits and so
we're not able to capture,
>> you know, changes in bedroom count,
bathroom count, square footage of homes.
Um, so being able to use an outside
company, uh, would help. They have more
resources than we do, um, in the, you
know, in our office. more staff, um,
more they do those kinds of things
full-time. So, it's, you know, would be
a benefit to us, um, to really use some
of the resources of outside folks.
>> Um, so
a couple of million dollars perhaps to
hire um, that company to do the uh,
reevaluation. Do you have any sense of
what we might expect in revenue if we
were to do the re-evaluation? Um, And that's I mean it's tricky. There's
really no it doesn't really generate
revenue um in the way that you think it
kind of flip-flops. So tax rates would
go down because we're generating a
higher value in the city. So when it
comes to looking at the levy, you know,
it's still a matter of tightening per
strings and you know I mean in order to
get
>> um the tax cap you know I don't I don't
think that that's ever wanting anyone
wants to enter into that discussion of
trying to um go over the tax cap. So
it's but um I've heard instances of
other places where they don't change the
tax rates. So they take in all the
revenue from a reval but then they force
an assessment office or other um
officials in the municipality to um then
field questions from folks who want
their assessments lowered because tax
rates didn't balance that out as they
increased um assessed value. So, you
know, I mean, it's it doesn't really
create a whole lot of revenue, but it
equalizes everything in the city.
>> We've got some areas of the city right
now where properties are selling for
200% more than what they're assessed at.
>> Um, and so being able to capture that um
and show some equity across the board um
between different neighborhoods is, you
know, I mean, that's one of the major
benefits of uh doing
>> Artha.
So, um, can you actually just tell us a
little bit about like how you came to to
do this at this, you know, as we're
starting to do this right now and how
long the process would take? I know you
mentioned that we talked about it, but I
did not initiate those.
>> No, that's okay. That's okay. Um, well,
I just in conversations with the mayor
about our equalization rate every year,
um, and and how I see the market going
forward, um, we kind of talked about the
possibility of me bringing this forward
to the council. um just to you know
start the discussion uh and see it
generally takes anywhere from 2 to four
years um for because there's a lot of
data collection that happens especially
in the first two years um and so
it the last time we did a reval it was
in they started it in 2007 and it went
on the books in 2009 um but it wasn't
they used outside folks but they hire
they just hired a lot of people to work
within the office as opposed to using a
company that does it a lot. Um, you
know, that has some of those other
outside resources. Um, and you know,
there were things like, um, we use these
things called property record cards. And
unfortunately, we found that a lot of
the data was just copied from one
property record card to another as
opposed to having some field inspections
done. Now, it's not possible with a city
our size to get to out to every single
property, but there's a lot of um,
resources. There's pictometry which is
um you have a a plane flies over the
municipality and then we can take a look
at changes that have happened. Um and
then some of the software that they
include is change finder. So if we do a
fly over every year then they show they
actually draw the outline of properties
that have changed year um so that we can
at least capture that data.
>> So we we haven't done that yet. So right
now if we did that we wouldn't we
wouldn't know what was what was added on
within the last year year.
>> Um we may based on the the information
we have and taking a look at the
properties. Um it's sometimes it's hard
to you know I mean yes I would say the
easy answer answer to that question is
um we may not know we may not be able to
but looking at codes data looking at
information that we currently have in
our office um we've got a lot of you
know we use the multiple listing service
and there's a lot of other uh real
estate websites out there where we can
take a look at properties that have sold
in the city um and some of a reval is
you know collecting that data but then
It's also just looking at sales within
each of the neighborhoods and doing some
modeling um and statistics and then you
know kind of finding a center line um
and using that to determine the values
of neighborhoods.
» Uh there are no other questions or
comments. I would definitely like to say
I appreciate you continuing to push
forth this agenda item. I remember you
discussing it um very uh confidently
emotionally and budget hearing as a as a
means forward for our city. Uh so that
definitely is appreciated for myself. If
you're able to speak to it though, is
there an average or an acceptable
equalization rate for a municipality or
can you can speak to that? Thank you.
>> Yeah, sure. Uh 100%.
And and generally when you do um when
you do a reval you are at 100%. And
given some of the resources that um
outside companies have um we'd possibly
be able to stay at 100% going forward
because we'd have good data. um we've
have the ability to use some of their
modeling software um and you know do
some work in each of the neighborhoods
that we determine when we go through a
rebal.
Um so yeah, it's is really what you want
is your equalization rate. You want the
assessed value of a home to be equal to
um the fair market value of the home.
>> So what people are being taxed on is
actually what they can go out and get
for their property on the market.
Understood.
>> Yeah.
>> Thank you. Uh are there any other
question? Um Miss Patrick from
>> So our next step I mean obviously it um
we've been asked uh before uh to try to
go out for the revaluation. Um obviously
it would have to be something that would
be part of our budget discussions. Is it
something that you hope to put into the
budget for?
>> Probably not for this year. I think
there's a lot of work we would need to
do prep work that we would need to do
and I would suggest that we look at it
for next year. So, we're really just
you're keeping it in front of us.
>> Yeah. And and trying to push it a little
bit more just because I do see the the
equalization rate continuing to go down.
>> Yeah.
>> Um and it just, you know, I mean, I
guess and I think I I mentioned this
while we don't really do a ton of
revaluations every year. You know, we
try to follow up on permits and those
kinds of things, but um right now as we
revalue a home, say that fair market
value is 100,000, we're only taxing it
on 60,000. So, we're losing out on the
potential of some revenue there. You
know, I mean, I think there's some other
extenduating circumstances just the, you
know, some of the burden falls on the
residential taxpayers. Um, we've got,
you know, a lot of downtown buildings
that have pilot agreements and things
like that. So, it makes it more
difficult. But um you know and I don't
know how that that's also something that
working with an outside agency we want
to know how that would affect um some of
the pilot agreements if we're you know
changing cuz some of them are based on
the land value of the property and then
a certain percentage of the building
itself.
>> Um and so I don't I don't necessarily
know how all that works either.
>> So but yeah I in answer to your question
it's I I don't wouldn't want to rush
anything.
>> Okay. Thank you. So,
>> um, then also I'd like to to snapshot
having discussions at the council table.
I imagine there are a lot of different
parameters to your job that would be
beneficial to a council member. So, I
hope u moving forward the opportunities
to shadow uh your office would be
entertained by the mayor's office. I
know for myself just looking to broaden
my understandings so I can make the best
informed decision. Um, Miss Porto. Oh,
>> so kind of I was want a similar question
to what Miss Patrick asked in Taiwan. So
you've answered that, but in terms of
you mentioned that um people aren't
pulling build billing building permits.
So is that something that we that needs
to be focused on? I won't say we because
it's not our admin that's administrative
responsibility, but is that something
that we need to focus more on um in
terms of making sure people are pulling
the permits? Is that something that
would be helpful?
>> Yes. And yeah. Yes. I mean, I was going
to say yes because, you know, it gives
us the opportunity to then we don't
always get in the building, but we find
out information about the building.
>> Yeah, it's I mean it's plus it's really
like a life safety issue.
>> Um we do when we come upon things like
that, we refer them to the codes office
so then they go out and take a look and
see. Sometimes sometimes we find out
work was done but it's really just
painful you know it's nothing it's
nothing that would rise to the occasion
of um a code you know work or for us to
even possibly entertain evaluation
change.
>> Um but we at least try to refer so that
the codes office is aware.
>> And my other comment I mentioned this
before at the council table and I'll
bring it up again is we getting ready to
go into budget discussions. I think we
really do need to have to look at our
pilots. Um we've heard it's going to be
a tough budget. So um pilots are
uh pretty substantial in our city. So,
we should take a look at that. I know
that pilots are done through metro cuts,
etc., but I think we need to take a look
at um how that impacts our residents,
how impacts the city overall in terms of
taxes. And as we're going through this
process of budgeting, we take a look at
the pilots, how many we have, what they
look like, and all that. So, just want
to just repeat that again. Uh I know
it's going to be a difficult and
challenging conversation, but uh one
that really needs to happen. you hear
about our equaliz equalization rate and
how things are just impacting our city
overall. So, I think we have to look at
the big picture. Even if we're not doing
this until next year, we can look at
pilots this year.
>> Uh any other questions or comments? Uh
so, this was no action required. Thank
you for the update, Miss.
>> Thank you very much.
>> Um the last agenda item is homes
American Rescue Plan uh award.
So the uh the Ski Detroit Colony Home
Consortium received a one-time
allocation of home federal funds in the
fiscal year 2021 as part of the rescue
American Rescue Plan Act. Uh the
consortium has committed one uh
$1,700,000
in Hallmark funds to the YWCA
of Skenctity doing business errors
northeastern New York to construct and
rehabilitate affordable rental units in
the Harbor House project. The project is
expected to close on September 24th,
2025 with a proposed construction start
date of October 1st, 2025.
Uh the city of Skin Equity as a lead
entity um does require a resolution to
be passed awarding the Hallmark funds in
the amount of $1,700,000
to the YW.CA.
>> Thank you.
>> Is this the project that we've also
allocated ARPA funds to as well?
>> Yes, it is.
>> And uh this amount of money, is this our
portion of the um consortium money?
>> Uh yes. So um the consort the home
consortium is all three of us together.
They award the projects together as
well.
>> So they all we all awarded. So there's
no other money.
>> Yeah. For the homeland. Yes.
>> Okay. I thought it was just our version.
>> Yeah. I believe there were other
projects that were previously awarded as
well.
>> Oh, there. So this is what's So
>> So this is just what was already
previously um allocated specifically for
this project, but we are not allowed to
award the funds until after all other
financials are put in place.
>> Okay. So now they're ready to go.
>> Yep.
>> Mhm. Okay. Any other questions or
comments? Hearing none. I have a motion.
>> So moved.
>> I'll second. All those in favor? I. U.
There are no other items that will
follow the finance committee. May I have
a motion to adjourn?
>> So moved.
>> I'll second. All those in favor? I
>> um so I'd like to open health and
recreation. We have one item on the
agenda. I do want to say we just got the
material and legislative request today
um for this. Um it was on the agenda
that we received the other day, but we
just got the material today. Um
a legislative request and um the
background information just came with
today's materials. So, I know that we're
supposed to have more lead time. Um
it's not the first time it's ever
happened with
>> I understand that. I just wanted to
point that out. So, I'm going to say
let's move ahead. Um if you'd like to
take the floor.
>> Certainly. Certainly. Um so last week um
I attended a town hall meeting that was
uh held at uh Sunni Skenctity um where
the conversation was about uh surgical
services being removed from Belle uh
Belle Hospital Women's Center and some
of those services being transferred over
to Ellis Hospital. um the nurses that
were there um were expressing a lot of
concerns around um how this can impact
people's uh access to health care. Um
and this is kind of you know something
that is really going to impact people
that live in the city of Skenity. Um,
and I just wanted to make sure that, you
know, we as a council um, had a
discussion about this and possibly uh,
bringing resolution in support of
leaving the surgical services um, at
Bell's Women's Center.
>> So, oh, I don't have to raise my hand.
Um, I'd like to say that I'm not in
support of um, having that kind of a
resolution. And I think that we really
need to continue to understand that
Ellis has been having financial um
issues and I respect that the doctors
and the administrators who um are in
charge there um which is of course a
private company um have made this
decision um as a way to bring in more
efficiencies u make sure that they're
following as much cost reduction as they
can. It's my understanding that no
services will be lost. the women's
health services will continue um at
Belleview. Um neither of the surgical um
neither of them are being used to
capacity at this point. So I think Ellis
is really making this decision in order
to try to bring more efficiencies uh to
the operation overall of Ellis Hospital.
Um so for me the bottom line is that and
I know we've had these discussions in
the past when we had to you know make
the decision about well we also came to
the table about McCullen um I don't want
to lose Ellis hospital I think that
would really be a problem for the
residents of Skenctity to not have a
hospital um and so I would support the
decision-m of the people in charge at
Ellis um to you know support that they
need to do this um in terms of the
deficiencies.
>> Oh, Miss Portfield. So, um for me, you you you framed it as the you know,
dollars and cents and I'd like to frame
it in terms of the health of the
patients who are use women all women at
who use these services. So, we
understand that um there's financial
implications. However, people's health
is also impacted by this. And there's
certain communities who if they're not
have the ability to get the services
locally, then you know, getting to
someplace else becomes a challenge. And
I also want to point out that when this
started, it was we're not going to we're
not going to impact Bel. We're not going
to there's things that that were not
going to that are now happening. And as
this began with Ellis, well, actually,
it's now really Trinity that's over all
of this. as as this was um happening, we
keep seeing fewer and fewer services
being offered or cut back. You can't get
dental at Alice anymore. I don't know if
you know that. So, now that pushes that
all of that over to a place where
currently they have like a sixmonth
waiting list. So, we are talking about
impacting individuals health and I want
to separate it from our uh pre prior
conversation when we talked about
staffing. So I'd like us to look at this
in terms of the health of the
individuals who will be impacted by
this. And um while we talk about how the
administrators and the doctors make all
these decisions, we were at the um press
conference that was called by NISA, the
New York State nurses, and nurses,
there's more nurses in the hospital than
there are doctors. So the nurses are
talking about how this impacts them. So
I think we should also listen to the
folks who are on the ground every day,
many of them, and how this is impacting.
We understand that the administrators
get to make the decision but the the
people who are impacted on they they
their voice also should be heard and for
them this is a major concern and I'm
concerned about it as well um about the
kind of services that they want to cut
back as we see and we should also look
at what this particular agency has done
with other hospitals across uh across
the state. So, I'm I'm I'm supportive of
this because we're talking about
people's health and health concerns and
we can't always make that about dollars
and cents.
>> I think though that none of the women's
health services that are happening at
Belleview are going to be affected. They
still will be maintained at Belleview.
Um they also um mimography all the
maternity um services other women's
health services are going to be
remaining at Belleview as well as if
someone needed to have emergency
C-section if someone needed to have a
life-saving emergency surgery that would
remain at Belleview. Um
>> well I'm just going to say
>> I think we're hearing I think we're
hearing from different folks. Um so so
again I also want to say that I don't
think it's the responsibility of the
city council to necessarily be passing a
resolution um about the hospital. So
that's that's also what I feel but I
think the bottom line that we all have
to keep into in mind is we have to make
sure that Ellis remains open.
>> So my
>> Mr. file.
>> Certainly. So, a few things. Um,
I guess my my question to you is that
where did you get that information cuz
some of the information that you stated
earlier um I don't believe you in the
beginning was Agnes. So, I'm trying to
figure out maybe where did you get that
information? Who because I do agree
probably been talking to different
people. So, who where did you get that
information?
>> I got the information from leadership at
Ellis.
>> Okay. Okay. And I also would like to
suggest that we I'm sure we could
probably invite um folks to come in and
talk to us as well.
>> I'm I'm always open like even now I'm
always open to uh hearing from folks to
help us make an informed decision. Um
did in that information did they let you
know that there would be 14 nurses jobs
being laid off as a result of this?
>> What I've heard is that the 14
individuals were offered um jobs at
Ellis at equal or greater salaries than
they actually were currently making. So,
and some of them have left and gone to
other places. Um, but yeah, that's
>> that's what you that's what you get
told.
>> Okay. So, the thing is that some of
those positions are are very specialized
position and I don't know how you know
when the last time that you've been to
Ellis um and I don't know if you're
aware um that the
>> I have had to go down.
>> Right. Right. So, yeah. So I think you
know I don't know if you're aware that
we have some of the uh longest wait
times in the state are right here in the
capital district. So, so the information
um and and what we were told and and was
really highlighted was the fact that you
know um the consolidation of services
there um to an already overburdened
understaffed uh facility can have really
dire consequences for people who are
there to seek these sometimes very uh uh
you know life-threatening uh uh
complications. So I highly doubt that uh
the people who you know often we talk in
this space about listening to the staff
and the people and and and give off here
in city hall and offering them a level
of difference because they have the
close you know proximity to the work
that they do. Um I don't think that
there's anyone who uh has more close
proximity uh than the nurses um and the
specialized nurses who have been in in
work in the wellness center some of them
for well over 15 years um who had very
uh clear um issue and were outlining it
really really clear to us. So I just so
I guess the point I'm trying to make
here is that we often give a level of
difference to people based on their
proximity to an issue when we do it
in-house here. And I would think that
they would deserve their deserve that
same level of difference. Um, in fact,
even more, I think that we have to, it's
not, when you say that we shouldn't be
making, you know, decisions about a
hospital, it's not really the decision
we're making the decision I'm bringing
this forward because of the impact that
it has on the people that live in the
city of Connecticut. Um, if this was a
decision that was based on what type of
food that they want to have in the
vending machines, I definitely wouldn't
be bringing this forward. Even though I
do have strong opinions on snacks, I
would just say that the people that when
this is something that can be um life or
death situation for the women,
especially lowincome women from
marginalized community and cities
connected, we can't ignore that there's
that through line and how and our
obligation to make sure that we're
advocating for them. That's what I would
say,
>> Mr. Williams. Yeah, I think it was a
point important designation to make that
Miss Porterfield uh captioned slightly
the truth that Ellis and what we know of
it to exist in our community no longer
exists and that amid these merger
discussions there are two entities but
one of those is going to convert to the
other and in this respect that is
Trinity Health Systems and St. Peters
Health Partners which is a functioning
under that. Um, so I think it's our
responsibility as a community to
understand what that means and what that
means for our residents. Um, I'm glad
you referenced previous discussions
around Ellis Hospital with respect to
staffing. We had an opportunity as a
council to support legislation to
empower or influence those discussions
for the nurses and we have seen for
whatever reason that those conditions
are getting worse. Um, we are now
presented with another opportunity to
advocate for the uh remaining of
services within this facility that saw
birth my daughter, my my youngest
daughter. And as we've heard from that
meeting in that event uh at Sunni
Skenctity, uh there's cause for more
concern that those services will not be
present. And I know that we have two
different um sources of information. I
would happily welcome a special meeting
where both parties were invited. Um
because as elected officials within the
city of Skenctity, I sincerely believe
it is our utmost responsibility to hear
these concerns with uh an open and
responsive ear and knowing that we have
to use these positions to benefit the
residents of the community. And I do
believe this is well within our our
purview. And I think we're starting to
see these types of discussions promoted
more um with sincerity to the to the to
the understanding of community schools
and that if we leave these types of
decisions to one agency that is when we
do ourselves a disservice. I think it is
as we remain responsive and continue to
receive information. I think we should
welcome these types of conversations. Um
but I agree having both entities present
and and capturing that and a framework
that includes us all at the table. I
think that is important and I would
happily support that.
Yeah, Mr. B. Yeah, I would just uh I
would just add that, you know, I think
as we're listening and gathering
information, you know, we also have to
look at, you know, what, you know, the
intentions are um and really the
messenger matters on this, like what,
you know, someone's intention is and
what the how they're making
calculations. And I think that in this
uh entity right now has made some uh
some decisions that might be really
based on revenue and other parts of the
state that have really impacted uh
communities and especially uh lowincome
communities um and communities of color
in particular. And based on that, you
know, I think that, you know, we really
want to look at how are people making
their decisions. And me personally, I'm
going to make decisions based on
in in not not only kind of leaving
things at the baseline, but increasing
access uh to healthcare for women in the
city of Skenctity. And I respect that
this is a private company. I respect
that they have, you know, their quotas
to meet, if you will. However, um I'm
always going to make sure that um I'm
making the decisions based on people
over profits. And I think that they have
demonstrated um that they make their
decisions um not in align with that
based on previous decisions that they've
made. I think we're going to have to
agree to disagree on that last point
because I definitely think that the
folks are interested in and concerned
about the health of people in this
community. And I think in particular um
the fact that the services will remain
at Belleview um in terms of women's
health services um that's you know
basically showing a concern for women's
health. However, I also have to say that
again we have to respect the fact that
we want to make sure that this hospital
remains open and we know that they've
been having fiscal stress. We know that
the issues that are happening in DC
around Medicaid and Medicare are going
to just bring more financial instability
um to hospitals around this country. Um
so I think I I remain in my mind um in
my viewpoint I mean I need to um
continue supporting um that that
hospital will stay open. So that's where
I'm coming from.
>> So do you want to move forward with the
um Miss Miss Porterfield? So
>> okay so just sorry back for clarity sake
you said that the services are going to
remain. So they're saying there's going
to be surgical cuts. So what is what is your understanding of the cuts
that will be made?
>> Well, what I'm saying is that the
women's health services that are in in
happening around mimography, other
women's health services, those are going
to be remaining at Belleview. If there
was emergency surgery that needed to
happen at Belleview, that too would
happen at Belleview. But otherwise, yes,
they're they're consolidating the other.
We all know that that's what they're
doing, right? They're they're having to
move the rest of their surgeries.
they're having to consolidate to try to
be more efficient from a cost
perspective. Um I, you know, it's not my
area of expertise, so I can't speak
specifically about that. Um but that's
my understanding of of what's happening.
Um so
>> let me Did you have a comment if you
wanted to make this?
>> Yeah, I I would like to hear from local
parties. Um I'd hate to see women's uh
health center, but that's where I was
born.
it's going to stay
>> lose capacity. But I I I would like to
hear more about what that what does that
mean? Maintain full surgical services. I
don't know enough about the cuts to make
a determination. I'd like to hear a
little bit more information, but I you
know, I do support us um doing something
in support of Belleview Women Health
Center that I could get on board with if
I have some more information.
>> Mr.
So my question was just you said earlier
that um that the folks are
committed to um I might want to
paraphrase but I was trying to figure
out those folks are you talking about
administration at Ellis right now
>> and doctors physicians and
administrators. Yeah.
>> Okay. So for that
>> and the nurses I'm not saying that the
nurses aren't
>> I'm not I'm not suggesting any way that
you're saying that. Um I guess what I'm
trying to figure out did have you spoken
to anyone from Trinity Healthcare or
just the administrative Okay. Okay.
>> So shall we bring the discussion to a
close here?
>> Well, I think that I'm sorry.
>> Just you know just you know hearing the
comments from the the council members.
There's only two members of your
committee here tonight.
>> Mr. Farley, if you don't, as you know,
if if it doesn't pass out of committee
tonight, which sounds like it won't, you
can get a co-sponsor to bring in the
legislation to the full council on on on
Monday night as long as the resolution
is before the city clerk by noon on
Thursday. But um we have to go through
whether you want to make the motion now.
If it fails then it then then then it
ends or if you wish to
have this brought up under discussion at
a next meeting. It's up to you if you
want to go move forward with resolution.
It's going to fail because you're not
going to get a second. However, there's
the the the mechanism under 20 2821
under the city code that allows you to
get a co-sponsor who's not a member of
the committee. then it it can be
borrowed before the full council on
Monday night. So, it's it's it's up to
what you want to do.
>> Thank you.
>> That's I'm overly optimistic that Miss
Patrick is going to uh um side with um
the city of connectity as far as uh
these these medical services. So, um I
I'll I'll make the motion.
» Yes. Say
>> I'm I'm not going to second it.
>> Okay. Yeah. Okay. So,
>> so the motion fails because of the lack
of a second, but as I indicated to you,
Mr. Farley, if you want to get a
co-sponsor with with another council
member, you can do so and and bring the
legislation before the council on a full
council on Monday night.
Okay. I would like to I think
u maybe hearing um from some more people
I think that maybe you'll be able to
make a more informed decision. So I also
between time kind of encourage uh see
what we could do around that cuz this is
um
quite frankly I thought would support.
So
>> Okay.
So if you can and just be advised that
you can always bring it at the next
meeting or any subsequent uh council
meeting.
>> Oh certainly.
>> Okay.
>> So thank you.
>> All right.
>> So is there any other business to come
before health and recreation?
>> Hearing none. I'll look for a motion to
um adjourn health and recreation.
>> Second.
>> All in favor?
>> I thank you. I'd like to call order city
development and planning. We have nine
items on the agenda. Um
oh government ops almost skipped over
>> I guess you go.
>> I'm sorry.
>> I'd like to call the government to order
government operations. We have one item
on the agenda today that is uh the
selection process of the city housing
stability task force. Mr. Mancini.
>> All right. So I I sent out a draft
application
and I'll go over the selection process
that I'd like to propose. Again, the
structure is nine members. All members
will be volunteer. Um, one city council
member will serve as chair. Remaining
eight will be appointed by the council.
Um then they are to represent
tenants, a landlord,
someone from local government.
Um
» okay,
and uh
I should have memorized right now.
>> 30 nonprofits.
>> Yeah. Oh, yeah. Tenants, man. I'm sorry.
developers, housing advocates, nonprofit
representatives, and legal
professionals.
Um, so what I'm proposing is that we do
a public call for applications,
reach out to housing advocates,
nonprofits, and neighborhood
associations. We've had folks email us
with letters of the I mean emails of
interest, so we can send them an
application.
And then once we receive the
applications and have a date by um we
can pick a date with whatever we agree
on. I'm thinking once we send it out we
give two weeks to respond
and then we review the applications and
ensure that we have a broad
representation of the outlined um
groups.
So looking through the list um my first
question is and um why we're having
developers as a part of this discussion
that was on the um
resolution for developers
that those that may be impacted and
getting their you know perception of
would good cause impact
their um view of the city their their
plans to move forward with apartment
developing developments of apartment
units. I know after a certain date
they're exempt but developers that have
are already here and that may be
impacted by that to hear from them.
» Well, I have a couple concerns. I don't
let me just say I don't think the
developers um
I don't think this would be a forum or a
task force that would that I think that
they should be on quite frankly and just
say it how I feel it. And additionally,
so we're we've listed six including
developers and not including the council
members. So that's nine seats. And so
right now we have nine
um excuse seven. And so that means just
two more people. Um, so I'm concerned
with the number of nine. I'm concerned
that this board will be um kind of
lopsided and and more with people who
are not as impacted. So I would say
there may be room room for one maybe two
tenants.
>> So we've heard the voice of the tenants
and so I I have concern that nine is a
low number for this particular task
force um first of all. So I would like
for us to really kind of look at that
and really look at the value of having
developers per se as part of this
particular task force. Additionally, um
it said that the first meeting can be
called by at least one council member.
And I think if if a council person is
going to chair this, then the council
the meeting should be called by whoever
chairs this as opposed to um just one
person even within our um code in terms
of a council a special council meeting
is called it takes at least two people
to do that.
Shane the chair and or vice chair. I
think London should designate a vice
chair.
>> Okay.
>> And secretary.
>> Okay. Once you you do the interviews and
then ask if folks volunteer to be a vice
chair and a secretary to take notes and
minutes.
>> Okay. So So we're talk you're looking at
changing that language.
>> Yes.
>> Um in the application I that kind of
briefly went through it. They have to be
a city resident.
>> Yes.
>> Unless they work for an agency that is
doing a nonprofit inside the city.
>> So nonprofit inside the city. Not a
volunteer group.
>> No.
>> But an actual nonprofit
>> that serves the city.
>> So that's one that's one part I think
that we should look at as well. Like I
think that the people that are obviously
going to be mostly impacted by this are
going than the people that live in the
city. So I think that people should have
to live in the city to serve in the
city. Even if you work at a non if you
work at a nonprofit that serves in the
city, I still think that you should have
to live in the city. And I think that
that's a that kind of opens it up to a
broader conversation around that we
don't need to have now, but like around
like nonprofits um and you know who
they're hiring and do they represent the
clients and the population that they're
serving.
>> Sure.
>> So um that's something else.
I I mean I guess I would have to say
that I'm okay with the nonprofit if it's
let's say for example it's the executive
director of a nonprofit that's a housing
related nonprofit that person might not
live in the city. I mean I think we need
and I also don't have a problem with the
developers because I think what we're
looking for along with having of course
residents tenants um is you know we need
the developers we've been bringing their
professional expertise around the
buildings that they build um for
apartments um whether it's homeless you
know shelters for homeless um
individuals um I think that it's okay
that there be a developer um that might
be able to speak from their um place of
expertise around
um around those types of structures. So
I don't have a problem with a developer
being on it. And I don't have I again I
think that I I can only base that on my
own lived experience. Um, you know, I
remember once, uh, in one of my previous
roles in in in the city, I was the only
person lived in the city at one of the
organizations I worked for, and I thus
was the person put onto a um onto a
community group that I think there might
have been other people, you know, I did
my my best at representing uh our
organization, but, you know, there might
have been people with other forms of
expertise, but they just didn't live in
the city. So, with the nonprofits, I
don't know. I mean, I don't know if cuz
we don't want to we've got to make sure
we involve the the appropriate
nonprofit. I think um whether it's
Bethesda House or Scap or, you know, I
don't know, Habitat for Humanity. Um I I
don't know where the folks live, you
know, that are on the staff.
>> So, I think I'd be okay with that. I I
guess I I would say to that is that
again hopefully um our the nonprofits
especially nonprofits that we are
supporting um with uh city funding uh
have enough of an investment in the city
to see people that live in the city as
part of a viable workforce. So hopefully
that they would have representation of
people that live in the city that work
at these nonprofits. If not, that's
again that that'd be troubling to me uh
in its own. Second of all, there's
different ways and capacities that
people could serve. So, in other words,
a developer could come into the the task
force and present all of their
expertise, all of their information
>> um but then you would still leave the
decisions
>> um up to the people that live within the
city. So they don't need to have a spot
on the task force in order to contribute
to the task force if they sincerely um
have expertise and genuinely want to um
uh help uh the task force make a more
informed decision. So to me that's you
know that's where I would be holding the
line that way people need to live in the
city
>> cuz I I I agree with with the you know
developers could be part of the
solution. So so on some level they
engage in the conversation.
and I could support them coming in that
way. But however, I I will say again
that I don't see them having a seat on
the task force. I think it kind of it
leans in a certain direction. But have
providing the information, the
framework, the data that we say we need
now um for them to do that but not to be
as part of the the group that makes is
the ultimate decision because you know
we all have different perspectives on
this and again we are framing this
because this came about because of good
cause whether we want to say it or not
I'm going to say it.
>> Okay. So, let's just make sure that
we're sticking to what good cause is
really about and not um try to to bring
in all these groups who may sway the
decision in a direction that um makes it
more favorable for for them.
» Uh so, the two points that I wanted to
make is uh well actually three. First of
which, I uh valued the form that you put
forth on Mr. Mancini. I thought that was a good product. Um I agreed
with the two comments made around
developers. So I won't repeat that. Um
my two additional comments were just uh
under the official charters of the task
force uh those three points or the two
points I the question that I have is
what new information are you seeking
from this task force? Because sincerely,
I mean, all sincerely, this was the
information that I would have expected
each of us as council members to review
and investigate on our own before
arriving to a a reasoning with respect
to good cause, which is in this
legislation. Uh, so we cannot avoid that
correlation. Um, but if you can ask
answer what new information you're
expecting because also this is asking
for public forums which we we had and
then one was shot down. um lack of
better words. Um but then also I wanted
to just highlight uh I would like to get
something put into writing that we will
approve the findings of this count of
this task force uh once submitted. Um
because what I would hate to happen is
we go through all these links and go
through all these efforts and we have
just seen in a different regard the
difficulties with getting volunteers to
actively contribute on a continuous
process on a continuous basis. Uh so I'd
like to ensure that whatever information
that they put forth is not only factual
but is information that we're going to
action on. Um because to me we are uh
we are transitioning our responsibility
as a council to act to act and asking
that there's another agency that steps
forth to flag by do the work that we're
supposed to do on our own. Um so I can
understand that this is where we're at
as a council. I want to ensure that we
are not wasting the city's time and the
resident's time. This matter has clearly
mattered as we've heard countless times
uh to just continue to kick this
football around.
Well, I I I think that the task force
can make the recommendations and it's
and has to be mindful of that the
recommendations are binding and then
they can proceed with resolutions to
affect those recommendations. We come up
with strategies where your groups
involve basically landlords, our local and our tenants.
And there's the good cause law. Well,
here are the evictions. Here are
strategies we can implement to reduce
those evictions. Um, federally with they
um rental assistance programs have been
cut from at a federal level. So, this is
becoming even larger pro a has a
problem. I I met with um
Connor out of from Albany last week and
real concerning information that but he
gave me some really good information a
lot of good strategies that we can
implement if we don't have agreement on
good cause we I think we can come to
agreement on good strategies and that I
think can impact what we're trying to
do. If it's good cause or nothing and
that's that's what people are thinking,
then you're right. Uh it doesn't we
probably shouldn't come together and do
any work. But if it's what we really
want is to let's come up with some
solutions that reduce evictions for
those most in need, then it's effective
and I don't see there'll be any problem
with implementing those strategies. Um I
think if we can demonstrate um what's
worked short of good cause what we
haven't done um the majority of the
evictions are for non-active and that
falls under good cause that's not going
to make any bit of difference but maybe
we can come up with ways to to come up
with um tenant assistance programs or
look for grants look for other options.
>> Um that's something that we can do that
we haven't done. I think there are a lot
of options that we can take and
strategies we can employ to reduce that
number. I mean we can say we can't or we
can say we can. That's up to us. Um so
that's where I want to proceed. So
>> so I just want to clarify you said that
the recommendations from this task force
would be binding.
>> Well I don't have the authority to say
okay
we can look at strategies and part of
that work will be is this something we
can do?
>> Yeah. No, they would not be.
>> That's right. They It would just be
recommendations and the council can
accept or
>> right
>> not accept those recommendations. It
could be 10 recommendations. They could
you could accept five,
>> right? Just
>> for example,
>> I just want to make that clear to all of
us and everybody that may be listening.
All right. So, going back to the people
that the individuals that would be on on
this task force. Um, and so we have the
chair. I'm going to point at you. And
then so that means that we have um other
spots. Are we going to put a number on
how many people from each group could be
there?
» I mean, how do you decide that?
>> Yeah. Um
I think looking at the applications
who we receive and what what is not on
there is anybody from city government.
you
>> well I think from department to
development
>> I think that's important
» um
» and then rate the applications and which
group
that we based on the application bring
that level of of expertise if we have a
couple in that or tenants tenants
>> so we right now we have to have on
taking developers off. Uh we have five
six with with the chair. Okay. Um so
that leaves three more seats.
>> And you're saying that you would base
who filled those seats based on the
applications received as opposed to
based on the categories?
We could we could decide that we pick
the nine that we need because we may the
these categories may be missing somebody
or someone that would be a good um
addition. Someone in that has expertise
in this area that we're missing that
isn't in one of these categories.
» And how would you choose that person if
they're not in the category
>> based on the application and what they
where their experience in their body or
work? say they were passed in volumes or
some advocacy agency.
>> Okay. So, we're not holding to these
categories. Is it because
>> we have representatives from this
category going to go over them and say
then this is what we need
>> and then some extra then the three other
seats are based on applications.
Is that what you're saying?
>> Based Yeah. based on is this a good fit
for the task force? is this individual
looking at their experience and their
body of work or we can keep it into the
categories a couple but I think that we
might be missing if we're missing
something and it stands out and the
committee looks at this individual could
contribute to this task force not
limited to this
if we're taking out developers then we
have one two three four five
>> plus the city Six.
>> Six. Sorry.
>> When I say the city, I'm sorry. I mean
the city council. Six.
And then you said the city. Seven.
» So I I would suggest that we have two
tenant two landlord representatives
since that's the most effective group
with affinity group in there. So we have
two from each.
>> That makes sense to me. If we're saying
if we are staying at nine.
Well, how would we go higher if we just
>> we would we would amend our resolution
if we would go higher. So,
>> I mean, I'm hoping this is, you know, I
want to get to the start if I
>> um Patrick.
>> Well, I think that I mean, I think that
we could definitely if we wanted to do
three tenants, three landlords, you
know, I think we can make those kinds of
changes on amendments to the original
uh resolution. I mean, I think that's
what we're trying to do here is kind of
sess out what we see as the best.
>> I mean, for me, again, one thing I think
that is not the only thing, but one of
the things I think is really important
is that who's ever serving on this task
force lives in the city of Skenctity. I
think that that is
really integral part of the process. Um,
so, Mr. Mr. Mini, are you um
open to considering that as well? Like
making sure that whoever serves on the
task force lives in the city?
>> I'm going to give priority if we don't
have somebody from a nonprofit.
>> Okay. Okay. That is, you know, doesn't
is it directly involved in an eviction process?
>> Okay. So, you're saying give priority,
not necessarily a
Okay, let me think about that for a
minute.
>> So, let's try to have a level of
consistency here. We just heard that
someone could not sit on the CPRB even
though the agency that's named in there
because they did not reside in the city.
And I think that applies to almost all
of our boards that they don't. So why
are we going outside of what we do for
every other committee that we have,
every other commission that we have that
says you must reside in the city and
even uh so I I think that we should take
a look at that. We just NWACP it's
written in the ordinance in the city
code rather but the person who came
forward from the agency within the city
resided outside the city and we said no.
The mayor's office said no. So, let's
try to have some level of consistency in
how we deal with who's going to be
representing this um task force which
will have an impact upon the city.
[Music]
Mr. Williams,
>> we have a little over 60,000 people in
the city of Scar. compound we can find
nine people that live within the city
that can add that can uh academically
and then with their experience lived
experience and professional experience
weigh in on this discussion. I'm I'm in
agreement with the expectation that you
live in a city. He set forth
peace if holding members are reflective
of that applicants will actually get
>> you're doing it for everything else.
I'll reiterate.
>> I'm I'm I'm okay with that.
Um and if it doesn't, we don't get a
good representative. Um
you know, any applicants, we have to go
outside and recruit.
» Let's start there.
>> I'm okay with it as long as we have the
key nonprofits at the table. Who's the
key nonprofit though?
>> Well, actually, I can think of more than
three. So, so I mean, it depends on the
number of the number that you put in
that. And if there's, you know, again,
to Monty's point, if if there's someone
that doesn't live in the city, we can
always have them come in.
>> That's right. That's absolutely right.
>> Or just Yeah.
>> Yeah. Draw
>> because the news will be open to the
anybody.
>> Yeah.
to Mr. Smith's
earlier point um and I I believe
presidents as well that like this did
you know come out of good cause and
the entire time I brought good cause
forward um I acknowledge that good cause
isn't the only solution um I think that
that's important that we recognize that there's other
solutions however
good cause
does offer
certain protections
that some of the other solutions might
not, you know, offer. So, I want to just
kind of like be mindful of that, that
the cause isn't the end all be all, but
there are some core things that happen
with good cause that would leave people
unprotected if we didn't consider that.
Um, as well as this doesn't have to
result in good cause based on the
findings of of of the task force. It
doesn't have to, but I don't want I want
to make sure that we're not taking that
off the table if the findings come forth
and say support, you know, if the data
supports it.
>> Yeah. And I think maybe the timing
around it we have we can have some of
the jurisdictions that have opted in
what their experience is and maybe hear
from them.
Okay.
>> Next step.
>> Yeah. What are the next steps?
>> You want to take those
make changes
in the language and then we can send
outations
post applications and notice.
So we you're okay with the the
resolution at this time. At this point
you're just looking at the application.
You're not changing anything as far as
the membership per se, are you? Or you
may, Mr. Mancini, you may want to
circulate that with your colleagues
based on the conversations here tonight
and see if everybody's on board and then
uh you know, if if necessary and if
everybody's on board, send it to the
Corporation Council's office and we'll
review the proposed application with the
resolution and see if anything further
needs to be done.
So, uh, Mr. O'Brins
is proposing and then the changes that
we talked about, do we need to make
those changes as well?
>> Yeah. What he what you all talked about
and what he the original document that
he submitted to you and then hand, you
know, the the the amendments here
tonight.
>> Okay. Um, if that can be cleaned up,
circulated, everybody's okay with that.
And then once that's okay, we will then
review it to the legislation and make a
determination whether it needs to be,
you know, put in a resolution form for
Monday night. That's okay with the
council members.
>> Yeah, that that's okay with me. Um, so
>> so are we, so are we looking based on
that to bring it back or we're going to
make those changes in the meantime? And
I think because you know everybody's
interested in getting this moving along
as quickly as possible. I think the if
it's circulated and everybody's okay
with it then we will u put it on
Monday's agenda as as agreed to by the
council members.
>> So Mr. R, let me just be clear. We
passed the resolution that we're going
to establish right
>> the uh this committee. So we have to now
pass a resolution for every single thing
that's going to happen throughout.
>> No, that's what I'm saying. We don't
have to do that. I just want to make
sure whatever was agreed to is in
conformance with the resolution,
>> okay,
>> that you passed last, you know, a few
weeks ago. So, if it's within the four
corners of that document, no legislative
action has to
>> except the resolution did um include
developers is what Mr. Mani said and
that now we're um we're looking at
removing that. So, is that going to
» Let's see.
It doesn't. Is it specific?
>> No, it is.
>> No, it's not. No, I think
>> Yeah, it did say developers.
>> It hasn't.
>> Yeah, it specifically said developers.
>> We would like input
>> and the second whereas
» Yeah.
the top
>> last sentence of the second
would like input. Um it's which you're
going to get you're going to get input
unless they have those
>> committees and because we like input
from stakeholders. So therefore the
developers would have input
as part of the the committee going
around and task force going around and
getting information. Um yeah I mean what
it says here that the housing stability
task force is established with some nine
volunteer members and uh including one
member of the city council. So that's
where it's it's it's specific as to the
membership. So right now it's just
saying you would like to get in the task
force would like to get information from
developers and other individuals. So
that's
>> so the fact that there's input would
serve would satisfy what we're how we're
talking about their input happen. Okay.
>> You like yes.
>> Okay.
>> Yep. What about the language around
having to reside in the city of
Skenctity
>> or is that just kind of a matter of
practice that we do with all of our I
guess with our committees
or is it
>> I think that
Um, it says here, "We'd like input from
stakeholders, including landlords that
own property in the city, tenants that
live in the city, and housing that serve
the city's residents." So, what you're doing as far as this
application is that they have to be
residents of the city, which which
broadly you're talking about here in the
resolution.
>> Okay. It's always so um you're you're
looking to keep residents because it
says right here we're like input from
state
and tenants that live in the city.
» That's the way this reads. A landlord
who owns property many landlords will
own property live outside the city.
» Right. But I think the criteria what
you're looking for for the people, you
know, the nine people that you're
looking for are residents,
>> right?
So that's
>> that's fine. I mean,
>> the way I'm looking at it, but you can
do that. You can it's when you're you're
keeping it residents. You're making that
makeup of of tenants, organizations.
You're going to get input from a broader
part of the community. And the
applications, you're saying residents.
>> Okay. Yes. And that's not different than
any other committee that we have. We
don't have to
>> Okay.
>> And like I said, but circulate it
amongst yourselves and then once it's
okay, um we'll take another look at it
to see whether it needs to have a res a
small resolution on it. Well, if we're
going to change anything at all, then I
don't see if we're going to change
things, then what would be the not
changing the language to have people
that was the city? If we're going to be
making some changes anyway, I would just
do it just so it's uh done as clean as
possible.
>> Mr. Mr. Ryan is not saying to change the
resolution.
>> No, I'm I'm saying that he's saying
circulate the ideas.
in the
>> in the circulation of ideas.
>> If we end up changing something, then
let's make sure that we change that to
if we change something.
>> Just um so I think right now it's within
the the four corners of the document.
>> However, I will need to take one look at
it again.
>> I think in in the application that we're
uh putting out, it should it should say
that.
>> Yeah.
Okay. for the uh recognition matter
process. Okay.
Any other thoughts, questions,
concerns or obnoxious comments around
that, Madam President?
>> So, I just want to like give a keep
track of the timeline that we're going
to have here. Uh we initially said that
this is going to be 120 days, but I'm
guessing that we're this time of
convening the task force. Uh the
representatives on the task force is not
included in the 120 days 120 days, Mr.
Hansy. Is that correct? deliver a report
within 120 days of its first meeting.
>> Okay. So, how
>> it starts with the first meeting.
>> So, what's our timeline in terms of
getting this task force established with
people on board?
» No,
let's do 30 days. Just two weeks. We're
going to send out the application
>> for two weeks. So, 30 days.
>> 30 days.
>> Yeah.
>> To establish and have the first meeting.
>> Okay. With that being said, we'll do a
resolution, right?
>> I knew that was coming.
>> Okay, let's we'll do 30 days because now
you're you're you're sending a benchmark
and and that and so
>> Okay, so now we need a we'll do a
resolution.
>> Okay.
to include
>> to include
>> uh 30 days benchmark and and just that
we'll look at how everything has been
changed here this evening. We'll put
that into the resolution too. Since it's
since you're putting a benchmark right
now it's it's a broad 120 days. Now
you're giving them marching orders, you
know, 30 days, you know, a start point.
So we need to put that in there. It's a
followup.
I think that we should be we should do
that because we said 100 we said 120
days and uh the people have expectations
of when we're going to be doing what we
said we're going to do.
>> Right. Right. Okay.
So we'll take a motion motion to amend
along those lines.
>> Okay. Well, I'll only take questions.
>> Um, so with regard to um, so when we
write this is the thought with regard to
the nonprofit since they are going to
have people who live in the city, is it
going to be people that specifically
work at the nonprofits or a an appointed
representative from the nonprofit that
lives in the city?
>> Anyone that serves on the board needs to
live in the city,
>> right? uh in terms of the not forprofits
that um will be represented.
>> No, there will be for every even the
nonprofit has to have a city resident on
every one,
>> right? But is it that they appoint a
that they put forth a person?
>> They work for the they work for
>> they work for them.
>> They work for the organization.
Okay.
>> Because we're looking for a certain
level of expertise.
>> Okay. I just want to make sure we get it
right.
>> Gotcha. That's my understanding.
>> Yeah. Yeah. I'm Yeah. Okay. I think
we're almost
>> Well, I mean, I will say sorry.
>> Um I mean, again, if it was Habitat for
Humanity,
you know, one of the homeowners
could be appointed. I know I'm not
saying that they would, but I'm just
saying that person,
you know, you might want to be open to
whether the whether the nonprofit I I
don't know. Can Can I just um Can we
just like center on Habitat for
Humanity? Isn't their goal to make
homeowners and we're really talking
about renters?
» True.
>> I just thought, well, no, no, because
again, don't forget that the task force
is not just about good cause eviction.
The task force is supposed to be looking
at housing stability in the city of
Skenctity. So, it's it's the broader
issue of housing that this task force is
going to be looking at. So, for example,
um any of those organizations and
nonprofits, I mean, they would all be
concerned with housing stability. I
mean, and so, you know what I'm saying?
I mean, it's not just about renting.
>> This task force is not just about
renters. We have to remember that.
>> Well, I think we should remember where
we started because and let's not ever
lose sight of that because I feel like
we're very far a field of what the
initial intention was to do something.
we weren't doing good cause but to do
something that addressed the issues that
good cause brings forward. So I think we
should not lose sight of that.
>> So
>> well for for my just for my point of
clarity is that if we're we're asking
people from the nonprofit to be involved
in the task force that's based on their
level of expertise on the issue. So, my
thing is
whoever they're assigning to the task
force
just has to uh live in the city of
Connecticut like any of our other
things. And um I guess Mr. Mini, this
would be kind of something for you to
kind of shed some light on because the
task force was kind of birthed out of
the conversations around good cause. We
don't want to make it so that it's
everything because if it's everything
it's nothing, right? Like you know um
you know so I so I just kind of maybe if
you could provide a little bit I mean
based on the resolution maybe we should
look at the resolution.
>> Mr. Chairman, you know, I'm looking at
the resolution and it really is dealing
with local housing trends and eviction
filings and and rent burdens and vacancy
rates. Um and and it does in light of
such a review and public input reporting
with
120 days and we're going to say 30 days
from next week. Um we'll have their
first meeting. Correct. Is that what
we're talking about? And then the
potential impact of good cause eviction
recommended. So it's really focused not
on home ownership. I'm just looking at
the resolution. It's it's dealing with
tenants.
>> It is not you said
>> it's not dealing with it's not dealing
with Yeah.
you know, home ownership is dealing with
rental and tenant investments, possible
solutions and tenant protection.
>> So, I read it I read it differently.
>> Okay. So, how that wouldn't be in that
case. So, all right. So,
» well, I I mean, I supported this. Um
I I really thought it was going to look
overall at housing issues and housing
stability within the city. As it says in
the first the background information,
the task force is to consider strategies
to improve housing stability in the city
of Skenctity.
>> Yeah. But they they but the charging
document the charge what they are
charged with is conducting a review of
local housing trends, eviction filings,
rent burdens and vacancy rates. That's
the charge.
>> So, you know, and it says across the
housing spectrum in the third bullet. I don't know. I mean, I I really want to
get at I I really thought that this was
going to have a broader focus, but
>> Mr. Williams,
>> I thought home ownership would be part
of it.
>> I think what's clear is that just in the manner in which this was presented
to the council, it was extremely rushed
and in that degree of urgency, there
were misunderstandings which we are now
trying to capture amid having two
council members not here. So I although
I was not in support of this task force
moving forward, I would hope there are
no continued delays because although the
work that they are being directed to
perform is questionable to my standards,
um it is still more it's still important
and there's a value to it. So I think we
have to get this started if this is what
is presented in front of us and I
believe the conversation we had here
tonight is very uh productive and then I
would hope that this yields positive
impacts for the community.
And will, you know, and then will there
be a amendment to this resolution? Just
to clarify that this bill will have this
task force will have its first meeting
30 days from
Monday night
>> or when the mayor signs it And that'll
be the first name and the 120 days will
just to be clear is is is is will be
added on to that 30.
>> Right. Correct.
>> All right.
» And the residency piece will be a more
operational piece of the application.
Um is if you know just just for just if
you want to have residents that if
they're you know residents priority
shall be given to residents of the city
>> uh to sit on this board
>> whether they or they they they represent
a nonprofit and they they are they're a
resident of the city and they represent
the nonprofit and they're a resident in
the city.
>> Yeah. That they could represent whatever
they want but they need to live in the
city. That's All nine members.
>> Yep.
>> Okay.
>> All right. Thank you. So, I'll entertain
a motion.
>> So, move.
>> Second.
>> All those in favor?
>> Thank you. With that, I call to adjourn.
>> You have to second.
>> Yeah. Okay.
>> You have to second.
>> You know what? Being that you're being a
task force, like come on, you're in
this. Okay. I second that. All in favor?
Thank you, Madam President. Appreciate
that.
Okay. You going to be on committee now.
All right. So, let's adjourn government
operations. I'll accept the motion.
>> I'll motion to adjurnn.
>> I'll second that. All in favor? I
>> we are ajourned.
>> Thank you. I will call to order city
development and planning. And our first
uh we have excuse me, we have nine items
on the agenda. And the first item is uh
to authorize issuance of a re revocable
commit number 690 to grand slant grand
salon hair studio for a sign of
overhanging right away on the face of
the building at 98 connect New York.
Welcome Mr. Wall.
>> Hi.
This is a sign overhanging the rightway
at 98. It's for a salon and new we
renovated the building.
» So where um can you just kind of give me
where the salon is? I know you is like
this long.
>> Um where exactly
>> the building?
>> Yeah. Yeah.
>> It's the building that was across from
the former Bailey's restaurant on the
corner of that in the alleyway.
>> Oh, okay.
>> It is a brick two-story building that
was just refurbished and I believe it's
going to be at the corner entrance.
>> Okay. So that's that little island that
takes you out to J Street.
>> Uh yes. Yep.
>> Okay.
Any questions?
I'll move it. I'll second. All those in
favor? Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Wall.
>> Okay. Uh the next item is just a
reminder of the U proposed 2025 26 HUD
annual action plan um public hearing
which is to be held on August 25th.
>> So do any emotions for this?
>> No. No, you're all set. Are we all set
for that?
>> All right. Um, the remainder of the
items have to do with property and
property sales. So, I would ask for a
motion to Okay. Recess. So, move.
Second. All those in favor? I recess.
>> So, I'd like to call the order of the
claims committee. We have one item on
the agenda tonight. It is a tax consu
[Music]
discuss executive sessions. We have a
motion to enter sessions.
Second. All in favor? I executive
session.
[Music]
Heat. Heat.
[Music]
Heat. Heat. N.
[Music]