1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,229 Heat. 2 00:00:05,239 --> 00:00:16,070 [music] 3 00:00:16,080 --> 00:00:22,870 Heat. 4 00:00:22,880 --> 00:01:07,030 Heat. 5 00:01:07,040 --> 00:01:39,270 Hey, Heat. 6 00:01:39,280 --> 00:01:55,926 Heat. 7 00:01:55,936 --> 00:02:21,270 [music] 8 00:02:21,280 --> 00:02:56,841 Heat. 9 00:02:56,851 --> 00:03:03,392 [music] 10 00:03:03,402 --> 00:03:51,200 » [music] 11 00:03:51,200 --> 00:05:01,430 >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. 12 00:05:01,440 --> 00:05:22,790 Hey, hey. 13 00:05:22,800 --> 00:05:36,150 Heat. 14 00:05:36,160 --> 00:06:02,209 Hey. Hey. Hey. 15 00:06:02,219 --> 00:06:34,240 » [music] 16 00:06:34,240 --> 00:06:53,299 >> Heat. Heat. 17 00:06:53,309 --> 00:07:37,189 [music] 18 00:07:37,199 --> 00:07:46,790 everybody. 19 00:07:46,800 --> 00:08:20,070 He 20 00:08:20,080 --> 00:08:28,930 Hey, hey, hey. 21 00:08:28,940 --> 00:09:09,590 [music] 22 00:09:09,600 --> 00:09:20,676 Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. 23 00:09:20,686 --> 00:09:26,230 » [music] 24 00:09:26,240 --> 00:09:28,546 » Hey. 25 00:09:28,546 --> 00:09:47,531 [music] 26 00:09:47,541 --> 00:09:55,110 » [music] 27 00:09:55,120 --> 00:10:03,910 » Heat. 28 00:10:03,920 --> 00:11:40,193 Heat. 29 00:11:40,203 --> 00:12:54,870 » [music] 30 00:12:54,880 --> 00:12:57,493 » Heat. Heat. 31 00:12:57,493 --> 00:13:18,629 [music] 32 00:13:18,639 --> 00:13:43,344 Heat. Heat. 33 00:13:43,344 --> 00:14:16,470 [music] 34 00:14:16,480 --> 00:14:44,629 Heat. Heat. 35 00:14:44,639 --> 00:14:46,320 I'd like to call to order the Skenctity 36 00:14:46,320 --> 00:14:48,399 City Caucus meeting for Monday, March 37 00:14:48,399 --> 00:14:50,560 9th, 2026. 38 00:14:50,560 --> 00:14:52,240 We have one item for a public hearing. 39 00:14:52,240 --> 00:14:54,720 If the clerk would please read 40 00:14:54,720 --> 00:14:56,560 >> item number one for public hearing 41 00:14:56,560 --> 00:14:58,079 regarding the neighborhood 42 00:14:58,079 --> 00:15:03,430 revitalization strategy area. 43 00:15:03,440 --> 00:15:07,040 » And we have 14 items for original 44 00:15:07,040 --> 00:15:09,920 consideration and one item for unanimous 45 00:15:09,920 --> 00:15:12,240 consent. If the city clerk would please 46 00:15:12,240 --> 00:15:20,310 read item number 14A. 47 00:15:20,320 --> 00:15:22,959 for unanimous consent. A 48 00:15:22,959 --> 00:15:26,639 resolution honoring Adi Shakti Marim 49 00:15:26,639 --> 00:15:29,600 Khali Kovville Cultural Center. 50 00:15:29,600 --> 00:15:31,279 >> If I have a motion to place that on the 51 00:15:31,279 --> 00:15:34,639 floor moved by Mr. Mance, second by Mr. 52 00:15:34,639 --> 00:15:36,320 Chairs 53 00:15:36,320 --> 00:15:38,560 and then may I have a second motion to 54 00:15:38,560 --> 00:15:40,160 add this to the consent agenda? 55 00:15:40,160 --> 00:15:42,399 >> So moved by Mr. Mance, seconded by Mr. 56 00:15:42,399 --> 00:15:44,560 Ingert. All those in favor? 57 00:15:44,560 --> 00:15:50,389 >> I. 58 00:15:50,399 --> 00:15:52,959 » And before we proceed, item number 14 59 00:15:52,959 --> 00:15:56,160 will be taken out of uh order. If the 60 00:15:56,160 --> 00:15:57,600 clerk could please read item number one 61 00:15:57,600 --> 00:15:59,040 for original consideration. 62 00:15:59,040 --> 00:16:00,480 >> Item number one for original 63 00:16:00,480 --> 00:16:02,480 consideration. An ordinance authorizing 64 00:16:02,480 --> 00:16:04,240 the issuance of serial bonds and 65 00:16:04,240 --> 00:16:07,199 aggregate principal amount not to exceed 66 00:16:07,199 --> 00:16:10,949 7,452,275 67 00:16:10,959 --> 00:16:12,959 of the city of Skenctity, New York, 68 00:16:12,959 --> 00:16:15,839 pursuant to local finance law to finance 69 00:16:15,839 --> 00:16:17,839 the 2026 capital plan. 70 00:16:17,839 --> 00:16:19,279 >> Discuss in committee without objection 71 00:16:19,279 --> 00:16:20,720 on consent. Item number two. 72 00:16:20,720 --> 00:16:22,000 >> Item number two for original 73 00:16:22,000 --> 00:16:23,759 consideration. An ordinance to amend 74 00:16:23,759 --> 00:16:26,720 chapter 161, article 5, section 21 of 75 00:16:26,720 --> 00:16:28,800 the code of ordinance to suspend payment 76 00:16:28,800 --> 00:16:31,279 for excess residential waste and bulky 77 00:16:31,279 --> 00:16:32,880 items for 90 days. 78 00:16:32,880 --> 00:16:34,399 >> Discussed in committee without objection 79 00:16:34,399 --> 00:16:36,079 on consent. Item number three. 80 00:16:36,079 --> 00:16:37,440 >> Item number three for original 81 00:16:37,440 --> 00:16:39,040 consideration. An ordinance amending 82 00:16:39,040 --> 00:16:42,160 chapter 183 of the skity city code to 83 00:16:42,160 --> 00:16:43,839 reflect the updates in the New York 84 00:16:43,839 --> 00:16:45,440 State Penal Law. 85 00:16:45,440 --> 00:16:47,040 >> Discuss in committee without objection 86 00:16:47,040 --> 00:16:48,720 on consent. Item number four. 87 00:16:48,720 --> 00:16:50,079 >> Item number four for original 88 00:16:50,079 --> 00:16:52,320 consideration. A resolution authorizing 89 00:16:52,320 --> 00:16:53,920 the mayor to enter into an easement 90 00:16:53,920 --> 00:16:56,959 agreement with Maxon Alco Properties LLC 91 00:16:56,959 --> 00:16:59,040 for the Mohawk River Overlook located at 92 00:16:59,040 --> 00:17:00,240 Mohawk Harbor. 93 00:17:00,240 --> 00:17:01,759 >> Discussing committee without objection 94 00:17:01,759 --> 00:17:03,360 on consent. Item number five. 95 00:17:03,360 --> 00:17:04,640 >> Item number five for original 96 00:17:04,640 --> 00:17:06,640 consideration. A resolution appointing a 97 00:17:06,640 --> 00:17:09,600 city council member Kim Wiggins as the 98 00:17:09,600 --> 00:17:11,280 chair of the housing stability task 99 00:17:11,280 --> 00:17:13,199 force and Miss Carmel Patrick as 100 00:17:13,199 --> 00:17:14,079 co-chair. 101 00:17:14,079 --> 00:17:15,600 >> Discuss in committee without objection 102 00:17:15,600 --> 00:17:17,199 on consent. Item number six. 103 00:17:17,199 --> 00:17:18,640 >> Item number six for original 104 00:17:18,640 --> 00:17:20,799 consideration. A resolution appointing 105 00:17:20,799 --> 00:17:22,959 Caesia Blanchard to the Civilian Police 106 00:17:22,959 --> 00:17:25,439 Review Bo Review Board. 107 00:17:25,439 --> 00:17:26,880 >> Discuss in committee without objection 108 00:17:26,880 --> 00:17:28,640 on consent. Item number seven. 109 00:17:28,640 --> 00:17:30,000 >> Item number seven for original 110 00:17:30,000 --> 00:17:31,760 consideration. A resolution authorizing 111 00:17:31,760 --> 00:17:33,840 the reimbursement of expenses by the 112 00:17:33,840 --> 00:17:35,919 Rose Garden Restoration Committee. 113 00:17:35,919 --> 00:17:37,520 >> Discussed in committee without objection 114 00:17:37,520 --> 00:17:39,039 on consent. Item number eight. 115 00:17:39,039 --> 00:17:40,320 >> Item number eight for original 116 00:17:40,320 --> 00:17:42,080 consideration. A resolution authorizing 117 00:17:42,080 --> 00:17:44,960 the redemption after foreclosure of 512 118 00:17:44,960 --> 00:17:46,160 Skenctity Street. 119 00:17:46,160 --> 00:17:47,679 >> Discussed in committee without objection 120 00:17:47,679 --> 00:17:49,360 on consent. Item number nine. 121 00:17:49,360 --> 00:17:50,640 >> Item number nine for original 122 00:17:50,640 --> 00:17:52,400 consideration. A resolution authorizing 123 00:17:52,400 --> 00:17:55,520 the redemption after foreclosure of 14 124 00:17:55,520 --> 00:17:57,520 1114 Cutler Street. 125 00:17:57,520 --> 00:17:58,880 >> Discussed in committee without objection 126 00:17:58,880 --> 00:18:01,440 on consent. Item number 10. 127 00:18:01,440 --> 00:18:02,799 >> Item number 10 for original 128 00:18:02,799 --> 00:18:05,039 consideration. A resolution authorizing 129 00:18:05,039 --> 00:18:07,520 the redemption after foreclosure of 1313 130 00:18:07,520 --> 00:18:09,200 Hilderberg Avenue. 131 00:18:09,200 --> 00:18:10,559 >> Discuss in committee without objection 132 00:18:10,559 --> 00:18:12,400 on consent. Item number 11. 133 00:18:12,400 --> 00:18:13,919 >> Item number 11 for original 134 00:18:13,919 --> 00:18:15,760 consideration. A resolution authorizing 135 00:18:15,760 --> 00:18:19,039 the redemption after foreclosure of 2229 136 00:18:19,039 --> 00:18:20,160 Watt Street. 137 00:18:20,160 --> 00:18:21,760 >> Discuss in committee with objection on 138 00:18:21,760 --> 00:18:23,200 consent. Item number 12. 139 00:18:23,200 --> 00:18:24,559 >> Item number 12 for original 140 00:18:24,559 --> 00:18:26,160 consideration. A resolution authorizing 141 00:18:26,160 --> 00:18:29,280 the redemption after foreclosure of 2361 142 00:18:29,280 --> 00:18:30,400 Console Road. 143 00:18:30,400 --> 00:18:31,919 >> Discuss in committee without objection 144 00:18:31,919 --> 00:18:33,760 on consent. Item number 13. 145 00:18:33,760 --> 00:18:35,360 >> Item number 13 for original 146 00:18:35,360 --> 00:18:37,039 consideration. A resolution authorizing 147 00:18:37,039 --> 00:18:38,880 the sale of a vacant lot on Willow Creek 148 00:18:38,880 --> 00:18:42,160 Avenue 60.4-2-20 149 00:18:42,160 --> 00:18:44,799 for $2,000. Discuss in committee without 150 00:18:44,799 --> 00:18:46,880 objection on consent. Item number 14. 151 00:18:46,880 --> 00:18:48,400 >> Item number 14 for original 152 00:18:48,400 --> 00:18:50,240 consideration. A resolution recognizing 153 00:18:50,240 --> 00:18:53,120 March 2026 as Irish American Heritage 154 00:18:53,120 --> 00:18:53,840 Month. 155 00:18:53,840 --> 00:18:54,880 >> Discussed in the committee without 156 00:18:54,880 --> 00:18:56,480 objection on consent. This item will be 157 00:18:56,480 --> 00:18:58,080 taken out of order and presented by 158 00:18:58,080 --> 00:19:00,799 councilman chairs. Item number 14A. 159 00:19:00,799 --> 00:19:04,160 >> Item number 14 A for 160 00:19:04,160 --> 00:19:06,400 um now under original consideration. A 161 00:19:06,400 --> 00:19:09,520 resolution honoring Adi Shakti Marim 162 00:19:09,520 --> 00:19:12,480 Khali Kovville Cultural Center. And this 163 00:19:12,480 --> 00:19:14,640 was just passed. This will be presented 164 00:19:14,640 --> 00:19:17,919 at March 14th, 2026. If there are no 165 00:19:17,919 --> 00:19:20,240 other items to come before the city 166 00:19:20,240 --> 00:19:21,760 caucus, 167 00:19:21,760 --> 00:19:23,600 I may have a motion to adjurnn. 168 00:19:23,600 --> 00:19:25,679 >> So moved by Mr. Mutarin, second by Mr. 169 00:19:25,679 --> 00:19:27,520 Inger. All those in favor? 170 00:19:27,520 --> 00:19:30,160 >> I. 171 00:19:30,160 --> 00:19:31,440 >> I'd like to call to order this 172 00:19:31,440 --> 00:19:32,960 connectity city council meeting for 173 00:19:32,960 --> 00:19:35,760 March 9th, 2026. Today's invocation will 174 00:19:35,760 --> 00:19:38,480 be presented by Reverend Koniki from the 175 00:19:38,480 --> 00:19:40,960 Holy Name of Jesus National Catholic 176 00:19:40,960 --> 00:19:42,640 Church followed by Miss Wiggins 177 00:19:42,640 --> 00:19:50,150 delivering the pledge of allegiance. 178 00:19:50,160 --> 00:19:54,160 » Let us pray. Oh holy one whom we call by 179 00:19:54,160 --> 00:19:56,480 different names because we are a diverse 180 00:19:56,480 --> 00:19:59,039 people but who has called us to live 181 00:19:59,039 --> 00:20:01,679 together in community respecting the 182 00:20:01,679 --> 00:20:04,480 dignity, uniqueness and gifts of each 183 00:20:04,480 --> 00:20:07,120 and every person. Grant your presence 184 00:20:07,120 --> 00:20:09,919 among us as we join together to govern 185 00:20:09,919 --> 00:20:12,559 and lead. Grant that our debates and 186 00:20:12,559 --> 00:20:15,600 outlooks may not be caused for unhealthy 187 00:20:15,600 --> 00:20:19,039 divisions or dissensions. Give us ears 188 00:20:19,039 --> 00:20:21,840 that hear one another, voices that speak 189 00:20:21,840 --> 00:20:25,039 the truth in love, minds that make sense 190 00:20:25,039 --> 00:20:28,159 out of confusion or disorder, and in 191 00:20:28,159 --> 00:20:30,080 this season of reflection and 192 00:20:30,080 --> 00:20:33,200 repentance, hearts that seek to fulfill 193 00:20:33,200 --> 00:20:35,919 your purpose. Amen. 194 00:20:35,919 --> 00:20:39,990 >> Amen. 195 00:20:40,000 --> 00:20:42,960 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the 196 00:20:42,960 --> 00:20:45,760 United States of America and to the 197 00:20:45,760 --> 00:20:49,360 republic for which it stands, one nation 198 00:20:49,360 --> 00:20:52,880 under God, indivisible, with liberty and 199 00:20:52,880 --> 00:21:00,630 justice for all. 200 00:21:00,640 --> 00:21:06,950 » If the clerk can please take the role. 201 00:21:06,960 --> 00:21:08,240 » Mr. chairs 202 00:21:08,240 --> 00:21:09,039 >> present. 203 00:21:09,039 --> 00:21:11,679 >> Mr. Toro is absent. Mr. Angger 204 00:21:11,679 --> 00:21:12,240 >> here. 205 00:21:12,240 --> 00:21:13,360 >> Mr. Muiveran 206 00:21:13,360 --> 00:21:14,159 >> present. 207 00:21:14,159 --> 00:21:16,320 >> Miss Patrick is absent. Miss Wiggins 208 00:21:16,320 --> 00:21:17,200 >> present. 209 00:21:17,200 --> 00:21:18,240 >> Mr. Williams 210 00:21:18,240 --> 00:21:20,559 >> present. At this time we will now have a 211 00:21:20,559 --> 00:21:22,400 proclamation delivered by Mayor 212 00:21:22,400 --> 00:21:26,070 McCarthy. 213 00:21:26,080 --> 00:21:28,320 » Mr. Vega and his family stuck inside the 214 00:21:28,320 --> 00:21:52,230 rail. 215 00:21:52,240 --> 00:21:55,039 Thank you, Mr. President. Uh it's 216 00:21:55,039 --> 00:21:57,840 appreciate the uh 217 00:21:57,840 --> 00:22:01,360 opportunity to uh just say thank you to 218 00:22:01,360 --> 00:22:04,320 uh Hector Vegan issue official 219 00:22:04,320 --> 00:22:07,679 proclamation for his 36 years as a city 220 00:22:07,679 --> 00:22:09,665 employee. He's finally retiring and 221 00:22:09,665 --> 00:22:10,559 [clears throat] 222 00:22:10,559 --> 00:22:13,679 so behalf of the uh city and official 223 00:22:13,679 --> 00:22:15,120 proclamation out of the office of the 224 00:22:15,120 --> 00:22:19,840 mayor whereas Hector Vega Vegas has been 225 00:22:19,840 --> 00:22:22,720 a longtime employee of the city of 226 00:22:22,720 --> 00:22:24,960 Skenki with experience in multiple 227 00:22:24,960 --> 00:22:27,200 departments and whereas Hector is 228 00:22:27,200 --> 00:22:30,159 retiring after 36 years with the city. 229 00:22:30,159 --> 00:22:32,240 Hector spent his time in the office of 230 00:22:32,240 --> 00:22:34,799 general services, going from the parks 231 00:22:34,799 --> 00:22:37,039 department to the sewer department and 232 00:22:37,039 --> 00:22:38,799 ending in the waste department where he 233 00:22:38,799 --> 00:22:41,039 spent the majority of his career. And 234 00:22:41,039 --> 00:22:43,280 whereas during his free time, Hector 235 00:22:43,280 --> 00:22:46,080 enjoys traveling, spending time with his 236 00:22:46,080 --> 00:22:49,039 wife Kimberly, and rooting for the Miami 237 00:22:49,039 --> 00:22:51,585 Dolphins during football season. And 238 00:22:51,585 --> 00:22:53,360 [snorts] during the warmer months, he 239 00:22:53,360 --> 00:22:56,240 enjoys tending to his garden. 240 00:22:56,240 --> 00:22:57,600 >> And hopefully you got a little bit of 241 00:22:57,600 --> 00:22:59,520 planting in today. 242 00:22:59,520 --> 00:23:01,200 is 243 00:23:01,200 --> 00:23:03,840 and whereas Hector has demonstrated 244 00:23:03,840 --> 00:23:06,159 exceptional dedication to the city over 245 00:23:06,159 --> 00:23:08,480 the course of his distinguished 36-year 246 00:23:08,480 --> 00:23:10,720 career. And such a longstanding 247 00:23:10,720 --> 00:23:12,960 commitment is truly uncommon in today's 248 00:23:12,960 --> 00:23:15,120 environment. Now, therefore, I, Gary 249 00:23:15,120 --> 00:23:16,400 McCarthy, mayor of the city of 250 00:23:16,400 --> 00:23:18,720 Skenctity, do hereby proclaim Monday, 251 00:23:18,720 --> 00:23:21,440 March 9th, as Hector Vega day in the 252 00:23:21,440 --> 00:23:23,600 city of Skenctity. And the city of 253 00:23:23,600 --> 00:23:26,159 Skenctity thanks Hector for his loyalty 254 00:23:26,159 --> 00:23:28,080 and long career to the city of 255 00:23:28,080 --> 00:23:35,461 Skenctity. Thank you, sir. 256 00:23:35,471 --> 00:23:42,549 [applause] 257 00:23:42,559 --> 00:23:48,230 » Thank you, Mr. President. 258 00:23:48,240 --> 00:23:50,799 » And at this time, I'll hand over Mr. 259 00:23:50,799 --> 00:23:51,919 Chairs. 260 00:23:51,919 --> 00:23:53,039 >> Mr. Mr. President, may I have privilege 261 00:23:53,039 --> 00:23:54,159 of the floor? 262 00:23:54,159 --> 00:23:57,830 >> Amen. 263 00:23:57,840 --> 00:24:00,240 » I would like to call up uh anyone of 264 00:24:00,240 --> 00:24:02,799 from the ancient order of the Hiburnian, 265 00:24:02,799 --> 00:24:04,400 family members, all those that would 266 00:24:04,400 --> 00:24:06,960 like to join and lady ladies, excuse me. 267 00:24:06,960 --> 00:24:25,669 Yes, ma'am. 268 00:24:25,679 --> 00:24:27,520 Oh, 269 00:24:27,520 --> 00:24:31,760 >> come in. Come this way. Come this way. 270 00:24:31,760 --> 00:24:34,159 >> Yes. 271 00:24:34,159 --> 00:24:35,840 >> Yep. Keep coming. Keep coming. Yep. Keep 272 00:24:35,840 --> 00:24:53,269 coming in. 273 00:24:53,279 --> 00:24:55,200 This is a resolution recognizing March 274 00:24:55,200 --> 00:24:58,000 26, 2026 as Irish American Heritage 275 00:24:58,000 --> 00:25:00,480 Month. Whereas since 1991, the United 276 00:25:00,480 --> 00:25:01,919 States Congress and the President of the 277 00:25:01,919 --> 00:25:03,760 United States have designated March as 278 00:25:03,760 --> 00:25:06,159 Irishamean Heritage Month in tribute to 279 00:25:06,159 --> 00:25:08,240 generations of Irishameans who have made 280 00:25:08,240 --> 00:25:10,159 invaluable contributions to our nation's 281 00:25:10,159 --> 00:25:12,480 history, culture, and development. And 282 00:25:12,480 --> 00:25:14,559 whereas Irish immigrants have played a 283 00:25:14,559 --> 00:25:16,320 crucial role in shaping the history and 284 00:25:16,320 --> 00:25:18,720 growth of the city of Skenctity and the 285 00:25:18,720 --> 00:25:20,640 United States, overcoming adversity and 286 00:25:20,640 --> 00:25:22,080 discrimination to contribute 287 00:25:22,080 --> 00:25:23,520 significantly to the fields of public 288 00:25:23,520 --> 00:25:26,000 service, business, labor, education, 289 00:25:26,000 --> 00:25:28,880 science, and arts, and much, much more. 290 00:25:28,880 --> 00:25:30,720 Whereas March is the time to celebrate 291 00:25:30,720 --> 00:25:33,440 the achievements, heritage, and enduring 292 00:25:33,440 --> 00:25:35,760 spirit of Irish Americans, coinciding 293 00:25:35,760 --> 00:25:37,360 with the St. Patrick's Day of March 294 00:25:37,360 --> 00:25:40,000 17th, a day widely celebrated in honor 295 00:25:40,000 --> 00:25:42,159 of Irish culture and Ireland's patron 296 00:25:42,159 --> 00:25:44,720 saint. And whereas locally the ancient 297 00:25:44,720 --> 00:25:46,799 order of hiburnians and the ladies 298 00:25:46,799 --> 00:25:49,120 ancient order of hibernians contribute 299 00:25:49,120 --> 00:25:51,120 their time, talents and resources to 300 00:25:51,120 --> 00:25:52,799 numerous charitable efforts, community 301 00:25:52,799 --> 00:25:55,039 organizations and civic initiatives that 302 00:25:55,039 --> 00:25:56,720 enhance the quality of life in 303 00:25:56,720 --> 00:25:59,840 skenctity. And whereas AOH John F. 304 00:25:59,840 --> 00:26:01,919 Kennedy Division number one was founded 305 00:26:01,919 --> 00:26:04,320 in 1880, followed by the establishment 306 00:26:04,320 --> 00:26:08,720 of LAOH in 1901. And this year, the LOH 307 00:26:08,720 --> 00:26:11,440 proudly celebrate its 120th anniversary 308 00:26:11,440 --> 00:26:13,600 of service to our community. Now, 309 00:26:13,600 --> 00:26:15,120 therefore, it be resolved that the 310 00:26:15,120 --> 00:26:17,440 Skenctity City Council in collaboration 311 00:26:17,440 --> 00:26:19,200 with Mayor Gary McCarthy hereby 312 00:26:19,200 --> 00:26:22,640 recognized proclaims March 2026 as Irish 313 00:26:22,640 --> 00:26:24,320 American Heritage Month in the city of 314 00:26:24,320 --> 00:26:26,880 Skenctity. And be it further resolved 315 00:26:26,880 --> 00:26:28,559 that the city of Skenctity encouraged 316 00:26:28,559 --> 00:26:30,159 all residents to celebrate and 317 00:26:30,159 --> 00:26:31,760 acknowledge the contributions and 318 00:26:31,760 --> 00:26:34,080 enduring legacy of Irish Americans in 319 00:26:34,080 --> 00:26:35,840 our community and across the nation. 320 00:26:35,840 --> 00:26:37,520 Thank you all so much for all you do for 321 00:26:37,520 --> 00:26:39,528 the city of Skenctity. 322 00:26:39,528 --> 00:26:46,470 [applause] 323 00:26:46,480 --> 00:26:49,039 » Just you have to move. You have to move 324 00:26:49,039 --> 00:26:51,679 it. 325 00:26:51,679 --> 00:26:54,240 Oh, and may I have a a motion to move 326 00:26:54,240 --> 00:26:55,919 the resolution? 327 00:26:55,919 --> 00:26:57,520 >> So moved by Mr. Chair, seconded, 328 00:26:57,520 --> 00:26:57,919 >> second 329 00:26:57,919 --> 00:27:01,143 >> by Mr. Min. All those in favor. 330 00:27:01,143 --> 00:27:09,350 [applause] 331 00:27:09,360 --> 00:27:12,080 » Hey, make 332 00:27:12,080 --> 00:27:13,520 >> Yes. Of course. 333 00:27:13,520 --> 00:27:16,400 >> Our vice president, Keith Magcguire. 334 00:27:16,400 --> 00:27:18,480 >> Good evening, council. Mr. Mayor, thank 335 00:27:18,480 --> 00:27:21,600 you very much. It is an honor to uh be 336 00:27:21,600 --> 00:27:24,640 able to receive this uh just very 337 00:27:24,640 --> 00:27:28,159 honored and uh to be able to continue 338 00:27:28,159 --> 00:27:30,240 the uh Irish heritage within the 339 00:27:30,240 --> 00:27:32,799 community and try and be a positive part 340 00:27:32,799 --> 00:27:34,880 of our community. Uh so just thank you 341 00:27:34,880 --> 00:27:38,480 very much and uh please join us March 342 00:27:38,480 --> 00:27:41,279 17th, St. Patrick's Day at the hall for 343 00:27:41,279 --> 00:27:44,080 some corn beef cabbage and cheer. Thank 344 00:27:44,080 --> 00:27:49,029 you very much. 345 00:27:49,039 --> 00:27:51,760 I am Kim as the ladies president. Um we 346 00:27:51,760 --> 00:27:55,440 are celebrating our 125th um this year. 347 00:27:55,440 --> 00:27:57,679 So we certainly hope to see some of you 348 00:27:57,679 --> 00:27:59,840 at our celebration. Your invitations are 349 00:27:59,840 --> 00:28:04,014 all in the mail. So 350 00:28:04,024 --> 00:28:11,029 [applause] 351 00:28:11,039 --> 00:28:31,750 » thank you 352 00:28:31,760 --> 00:28:44,310 I can't see out. 353 00:28:44,320 --> 00:28:46,320 So, we have one public hearing for this 354 00:28:46,320 --> 00:28:48,640 evening. Public comment has been 355 00:28:48,640 --> 00:28:51,279 extended to four minutes. 356 00:28:51,279 --> 00:28:53,200 And I would like to call Miss Ellie 357 00:28:53,200 --> 00:28:59,690 Pepper. 358 00:28:59,700 --> 00:29:05,430 [sighs] 359 00:29:05,440 --> 00:29:08,320 Good evening, council members. Mr. 360 00:29:08,320 --> 00:29:11,120 President, Mayor, my name is Ellie 361 00:29:11,120 --> 00:29:13,440 Pepper. I live in the city of Skenctity. 362 00:29:13,440 --> 00:29:15,120 Tonight, you are renewing the 363 00:29:15,120 --> 00:29:17,279 neighborhood revitalization strategy 364 00:29:17,279 --> 00:29:20,640 area for another five years. The purpose 365 00:29:20,640 --> 00:29:23,279 of the NRSA is to concentrate federal 366 00:29:23,279 --> 00:29:24,960 community development resources in 367 00:29:24,960 --> 00:29:26,559 neighborhoods that have experienced 368 00:29:26,559 --> 00:29:28,720 long-term disinvestment so that 369 00:29:28,720 --> 00:29:30,559 investment can be strong enough to 370 00:29:30,559 --> 00:29:33,360 actually change neighborhood conditions. 371 00:29:33,360 --> 00:29:34,880 in Skenctity. That includes 372 00:29:34,880 --> 00:29:36,720 neighborhoods like Hamilton Hill, Veil, 373 00:29:36,720 --> 00:29:38,399 and parts of the Eastern Avenue 374 00:29:38,399 --> 00:29:40,960 corridor. These are some of the most 375 00:29:40,960 --> 00:29:43,039 diverse communities in our city, and 376 00:29:43,039 --> 00:29:44,720 they are also neighborhoods that have 377 00:29:44,720 --> 00:29:47,760 faced decades of economic disinvestment 378 00:29:47,760 --> 00:29:49,919 and housing instability. 379 00:29:49,919 --> 00:29:51,840 Hamilton Hill, in particular, has 380 00:29:51,840 --> 00:29:54,080 struggled with a high concentration of 381 00:29:54,080 --> 00:29:56,880 vacant and distressed properties. That 382 00:29:56,880 --> 00:29:58,960 is exactly the kind of challenge the 383 00:29:58,960 --> 00:30:02,480 NRSA is supposed to address. 384 00:30:02,480 --> 00:30:04,640 When we talk about revitalization 385 00:30:04,640 --> 00:30:07,919 though, it is important to ask a basic 386 00:30:07,919 --> 00:30:11,360 question. Who is that revitalization 387 00:30:11,360 --> 00:30:13,600 for? 388 00:30:13,600 --> 00:30:15,279 Are the residents who stayed through 389 00:30:15,279 --> 00:30:18,559 difficult years seeing the benefits? Are 390 00:30:18,559 --> 00:30:20,640 families gaining access to home 391 00:30:20,640 --> 00:30:22,640 ownership and the chance to build 392 00:30:22,640 --> 00:30:25,600 equity? Are vacant properties being 393 00:30:25,600 --> 00:30:28,480 restored in ways that stabilize blocks 394 00:30:28,480 --> 00:30:30,799 and support the people who already live 395 00:30:30,799 --> 00:30:32,159 there? 396 00:30:32,159 --> 00:30:34,240 Revitalization should not simply mean 397 00:30:34,240 --> 00:30:36,799 investment in buildings or development 398 00:30:36,799 --> 00:30:39,360 projects. It should mean stronger 399 00:30:39,360 --> 00:30:41,679 neighborhoods and more opportunity for 400 00:30:41,679 --> 00:30:43,200 the residents who call those 401 00:30:43,200 --> 00:30:45,360 neighborhoods home. 402 00:30:45,360 --> 00:30:47,760 One opportunity cities often overlook in 403 00:30:47,760 --> 00:30:50,240 revitalization strategies is creating 404 00:30:50,240 --> 00:30:53,520 pathways to homeownership for current 405 00:30:53,520 --> 00:30:56,480 renters in these neighborhoods. Programs 406 00:30:56,480 --> 00:30:58,960 that combine housing counseling, down 407 00:30:58,960 --> 00:31:01,840 payment assistance, and affordable homes 408 00:31:01,840 --> 00:31:03,840 can help residents build equity and 409 00:31:03,840 --> 00:31:06,880 long-term stability. Revitalization is 410 00:31:06,880 --> 00:31:08,720 strongest when the people who already 411 00:31:08,720 --> 00:31:11,200 live in the neighborhood have the 412 00:31:11,200 --> 00:31:13,679 opportunity to own a stake in its 413 00:31:13,679 --> 00:31:16,880 future. As this strategy is renewed for 414 00:31:16,880 --> 00:31:18,240 another five years, I think it's 415 00:31:18,240 --> 00:31:21,679 reasonable to ask what the outcomes have 416 00:31:21,679 --> 00:31:24,480 been so far. How many vacant properties 417 00:31:24,480 --> 00:31:26,320 have been brought back into productive 418 00:31:26,320 --> 00:31:28,720 use? How many residents have been able 419 00:31:28,720 --> 00:31:30,880 to become homeowners? How many 420 00:31:30,880 --> 00:31:32,399 neighborhood businesses have been 421 00:31:32,399 --> 00:31:34,320 supported? These are the kind of 422 00:31:34,320 --> 00:31:35,679 outcomes that show whether 423 00:31:35,679 --> 00:31:38,720 revitalization is truly working. And 424 00:31:38,720 --> 00:31:40,559 going forward, I hope the city will make 425 00:31:40,559 --> 00:31:43,200 that information clear and accessible to 426 00:31:43,200 --> 00:31:45,440 the public so residents can see how 427 00:31:45,440 --> 00:31:47,279 these investments are improving the 428 00:31:47,279 --> 00:31:49,600 neighborhoods where they live. 429 00:31:49,600 --> 00:31:51,919 Revitalization shouldn't just change 430 00:31:51,919 --> 00:31:54,799 buildings. It should improve the lives 431 00:31:54,799 --> 00:31:56,240 of the people who call these 432 00:31:56,240 --> 00:32:00,482 neighborhoods home. Thank you. 433 00:32:00,482 --> 00:32:07,029 [applause] 434 00:32:07,039 --> 00:32:08,960 » So, I have no one else present to speak. 435 00:32:08,960 --> 00:32:10,880 So, like to declare the public hearing 436 00:32:10,880 --> 00:32:11,760 regarding the neighborhood 437 00:32:11,760 --> 00:32:17,269 revitalization strategy area closed. 438 00:32:17,279 --> 00:32:18,960 I'll ask for approval of the minutes 439 00:32:18,960 --> 00:32:22,159 from February 23rd, 2026. 440 00:32:22,159 --> 00:32:24,080 Moved by Mr. Min, seconded by Mr. 441 00:32:24,080 --> 00:32:25,679 Chairs. All those in favor? 442 00:32:25,679 --> 00:32:27,279 >> I. 443 00:32:27,279 --> 00:32:29,120 If the clerk would please read any 444 00:32:29,120 --> 00:32:38,230 communications and petitions 445 00:32:38,240 --> 00:32:39,919 communications presented to the city 446 00:32:39,919 --> 00:32:42,320 council for Monday, March 9th, 2026 447 00:32:42,320 --> 00:32:44,399 under official, there were none under 448 00:32:44,399 --> 00:32:47,279 general from Brick Fuller Nicola 449 00:32:47,279 --> 00:32:50,000 American Legion Post 105. A thank you 450 00:32:50,000 --> 00:32:52,159 letter for the for the donation to their 451 00:32:52,159 --> 00:32:55,919 post from American Legion Post 1485. a 452 00:32:55,919 --> 00:32:57,919 letter expressing appreciation for their 453 00:32:57,919 --> 00:32:59,679 for the donation to their posts and 454 00:32:59,679 --> 00:33:02,799 under petitions there were none. 455 00:33:02,799 --> 00:33:04,240 >> I'd like to call on any council members 456 00:33:04,240 --> 00:33:08,230 for their committee reports 457 00:33:08,240 --> 00:33:09,840 » hearing none. Privilege of the floor 458 00:33:09,840 --> 00:33:11,440 concerning matters of the legislative 459 00:33:11,440 --> 00:33:14,480 agenda. We have one individual sign up 460 00:33:14,480 --> 00:33:16,399 to speak. 461 00:33:16,399 --> 00:33:29,830 I'd like to call Miriam Porterfield. 462 00:33:29,840 --> 00:33:32,559 Thank you. Good evening. 463 00:33:32,559 --> 00:33:34,960 I'd like to speak to item uh greetings, 464 00:33:34,960 --> 00:33:36,480 council president, council members, and 465 00:33:36,480 --> 00:33:38,399 mayor. I'd like to address item number 466 00:33:38,399 --> 00:33:41,120 two on the agenda regarding trash. I'll 467 00:33:41,120 --> 00:33:43,440 start by addressing Mr. Doro's remarks 468 00:33:43,440 --> 00:33:44,880 from the last committee meeting on 469 00:33:44,880 --> 00:33:47,200 February 2nd, 2026 regarding trash 470 00:33:47,200 --> 00:33:49,360 pickup. As the discussion was taking 471 00:33:49,360 --> 00:33:51,760 place, Ms. Toro, and I quote, said, 472 00:33:51,760 --> 00:33:53,919 "Miss Porterfield was on the task force. 473 00:33:53,919 --> 00:33:55,760 Miss Porterfield didn't want to pass 474 00:33:55,760 --> 00:33:57,600 anything through, and she eventually 475 00:33:57,600 --> 00:33:59,279 left the committee, so there was really 476 00:33:59,279 --> 00:34:00,880 nothing we could do to move anything 477 00:34:00,880 --> 00:34:03,200 forward. My absence meant that much." 478 00:34:03,200 --> 00:34:05,840 End quote. Her comments began at 13 479 00:34:05,840 --> 00:34:07,360 1.32.45 480 00:34:07,360 --> 00:34:09,919 in the video. "This is a very distorted 481 00:34:09,919 --> 00:34:11,679 version of the truth. She forgot to 482 00:34:11,679 --> 00:34:13,280 mention that Matt Douglas, Mike 483 00:34:13,280 --> 00:34:15,040 Hamilton, who produced Connected by the 484 00:34:15,040 --> 00:34:17,200 Numbers, and Billy Ma also left the 485 00:34:17,200 --> 00:34:19,359 committee. This is just one version of 486 00:34:19,359 --> 00:34:21,520 the story. Another version was given on 487 00:34:21,520 --> 00:34:24,560 October 14th, 2025 when by Mr. Anger 488 00:34:24,560 --> 00:34:26,639 when he was running for office. He came 489 00:34:26,639 --> 00:34:28,000 to the rail and said that the whole 490 00:34:28,000 --> 00:34:29,839 waste program was a failure pushed out 491 00:34:29,839 --> 00:34:31,839 under my leadership. He read a statement 492 00:34:31,839 --> 00:34:34,320 that was very worded very carefully not 493 00:34:34,320 --> 00:34:36,399 to tell a blatant lie, but to imply that 494 00:34:36,399 --> 00:34:37,919 I was the architect of the sticker 495 00:34:37,919 --> 00:34:41,119 program. His comments are 3830. 496 00:34:41,119 --> 00:34:43,919 in the video. Miss Duturo, who attended 497 00:34:43,919 --> 00:34:45,280 the waist committee meeting states that 498 00:34:45,280 --> 00:34:47,200 said the bulk item suggestion was made 499 00:34:47,200 --> 00:34:49,359 after my departure from the committee. 500 00:34:49,359 --> 00:34:51,440 This is two extremely different versions 501 00:34:51,440 --> 00:34:53,359 of the story. The only thing they have 502 00:34:53,359 --> 00:34:55,280 in common is to try to blame Marian 503 00:34:55,280 --> 00:34:57,839 Porterfield for this trash debacle. The 504 00:34:57,839 --> 00:35:00,000 fact is I sat on the committee beginning 505 00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:02,720 January 30th, 2024. And after attending 506 00:35:02,720 --> 00:35:04,720 a number of meetings with no outcomes, 507 00:35:04,720 --> 00:35:08,320 in March 24, I sent a document, which I 508 00:35:08,320 --> 00:35:11,680 have a copy here today, to um all the 509 00:35:11,680 --> 00:35:15,520 committee members and also to the mayor. 510 00:35:15,520 --> 00:35:18,079 It out outlined recommendations on how 511 00:35:18,079 --> 00:35:19,839 to move forward. Only Matt Douglas, who 512 00:35:19,839 --> 00:35:20,880 was on the committee at the time, 513 00:35:20,880 --> 00:35:23,040 responded. It was a good idea. I also 514 00:35:23,040 --> 00:35:24,800 brought printed copies to the meeting. 515 00:35:24,800 --> 00:35:26,480 My recommendations were never considered 516 00:35:26,480 --> 00:35:30,079 or discussed. Finally, in July 2024, I 517 00:35:30,079 --> 00:35:31,599 emailed the mayor to say that nothing 518 00:35:31,599 --> 00:35:33,359 was moving forward or coming out of this 519 00:35:33,359 --> 00:35:34,960 committee and I would no longer attend 520 00:35:34,960 --> 00:35:37,040 meetings. I asked that once there were 521 00:35:37,040 --> 00:35:38,480 any recommendations, they be brought to 522 00:35:38,480 --> 00:35:40,960 the council for consideration. I also 523 00:35:40,960 --> 00:35:42,720 sent an email to the council members in 524 00:35:42,720 --> 00:35:45,520 March 2024, including Mr. Mudarin, Mr. 525 00:35:45,520 --> 00:35:47,599 Williams, Miss Doro, and Miss Patrick, 526 00:35:47,599 --> 00:35:48,880 stating that I would no longer be 527 00:35:48,880 --> 00:35:50,320 attending the meetings, but offered that 528 00:35:50,320 --> 00:35:52,240 one of them could attend if they so 529 00:35:52,240 --> 00:35:54,079 chose. I included a copy of my 530 00:35:54,079 --> 00:35:56,400 recommendations in the email. Let us 531 00:35:56,400 --> 00:35:57,599 please keep in mind that it was the 532 00:35:57,599 --> 00:35:59,280 mayor who convened the task force. His 533 00:35:59,280 --> 00:36:00,880 director of operations sent out the 534 00:36:00,880 --> 00:36:03,760 meeting notices and created the agendas. 535 00:36:03,760 --> 00:36:05,359 Trying to determine how much garbage 536 00:36:05,359 --> 00:36:07,280 constitutes a jackpot or whatever terms 537 00:36:07,280 --> 00:36:08,720 being used is not the council's 538 00:36:08,720 --> 00:36:10,720 responsibility. Council members are a 539 00:36:10,720 --> 00:36:12,320 legislative body and they're not out 540 00:36:12,320 --> 00:36:14,079 there daily. The recommendation should 541 00:36:14,079 --> 00:36:16,320 be by the office of general services as 542 00:36:16,320 --> 00:36:18,079 it was by Mr. Paul Leon who finally 543 00:36:18,079 --> 00:36:20,079 brought forth the sticker program. It 544 00:36:20,079 --> 00:36:21,440 should also include the people who work 545 00:36:21,440 --> 00:36:23,839 on garbage every single day. In my 546 00:36:23,839 --> 00:36:25,440 recommendations, I suggested a task 547 00:36:25,440 --> 00:36:26,880 force of people who do the day-to-day 548 00:36:26,880 --> 00:36:28,480 work, who have boots on the ground and 549 00:36:28,480 --> 00:36:30,480 know it better than any of us. That was 550 00:36:30,480 --> 00:36:35,119 not taken up. However, I recently saw in the Gazette um art 551 00:36:35,119 --> 00:36:38,560 editorial on March 5th and um that they 552 00:36:38,560 --> 00:36:40,320 also made that suggestion. So now maybe 553 00:36:40,320 --> 00:36:43,280 it'll be taken up. Miss Toro stated that 554 00:36:43,280 --> 00:36:44,560 the garbage people did it for many 555 00:36:44,560 --> 00:36:45,920 years. So why aren't why aren't we 556 00:36:45,920 --> 00:36:47,680 asking for their expertise? She also 557 00:36:47,680 --> 00:36:49,440 stated that the money the city is losing 558 00:36:49,440 --> 00:36:51,599 money. How does she know? I asked for 559 00:36:51,599 --> 00:36:53,520 tonnage of garbage collected to help 560 00:36:53,520 --> 00:36:55,040 determine the cost and all I received 561 00:36:55,040 --> 00:36:56,240 were estimates. 562 00:36:56,240 --> 00:36:57,359 >> During your last quarter field, I'll 563 00:36:57,359 --> 00:36:58,480 need you to summarize. 564 00:36:58,480 --> 00:37:00,320 >> I will. During the last budget cycle, I 565 00:37:00,320 --> 00:37:02,480 recommend waste being um taken out of 566 00:37:02,480 --> 00:37:05,680 the budget so we can see cost versus um 567 00:37:05,680 --> 00:37:09,280 actual um revenue. The clear the code 568 00:37:09,280 --> 00:37:10,800 clearly states we cannot charge more 569 00:37:10,800 --> 00:37:13,200 garbage than it collect fees for than 570 00:37:13,200 --> 00:37:14,960 what it costs to collect for us to 571 00:37:14,960 --> 00:37:17,119 collect it. Determining garbage is 572 00:37:17,119 --> 00:37:18,720 collected collected as an administrative 573 00:37:18,720 --> 00:37:20,800 function with the city findings 574 00:37:20,800 --> 00:37:22,240 presented to the city council for their 575 00:37:22,240 --> 00:37:24,160 legislative action. If any council 576 00:37:24,160 --> 00:37:25,440 members would like a copy of the 577 00:37:25,440 --> 00:37:26,960 recommendations which I provided to the 578 00:37:26,960 --> 00:37:29,760 council in 2024, I'd gladly provide that 579 00:37:29,760 --> 00:37:33,589 to you. Thank you. 580 00:37:33,599 --> 00:37:35,119 » I have no one else signed up to speak, 581 00:37:35,119 --> 00:37:36,720 so I'll declare public comment on the 582 00:37:36,720 --> 00:37:40,870 legislative agenda closed. 583 00:37:40,880 --> 00:37:42,560 » At this time, I'll ask for approval of 584 00:37:42,560 --> 00:37:45,680 the legislative consent agenda. 585 00:37:45,680 --> 00:38:13,109 Second. 586 00:38:13,119 --> 00:38:26,470 » One moment. 587 00:38:26,480 --> 00:38:29,200 Okay, just for clarification, we're 588 00:38:29,200 --> 00:38:31,520 going to reread item number 10. If the 589 00:38:31,520 --> 00:38:41,910 clerk would please read 590 00:38:41,920 --> 00:38:43,599 item number 10 for original 591 00:38:43,599 --> 00:38:45,440 consideration. 592 00:38:45,440 --> 00:39:06,710 No, not that. 593 00:39:06,720 --> 00:39:08,640 A resolution waving the interest and 594 00:39:08,640 --> 00:39:15,270 fees to redeem SVL49.77-1-4. 595 00:39:15,280 --> 00:39:17,599 That's helder. 596 00:39:17,599 --> 00:39:19,280 Okay. 597 00:39:19,280 --> 00:39:22,160 >> All right. Thank you. And with that, 598 00:39:22,160 --> 00:39:23,839 I'll ask for a motion moved by Mr. 599 00:39:23,839 --> 00:39:26,880 Chairs, second by Mr. Mud. All those in 600 00:39:26,880 --> 00:39:27,440 favor? 601 00:39:27,440 --> 00:39:30,400 >> I. 602 00:39:30,400 --> 00:39:31,760 >> At this time, I'll now entertain 603 00:39:31,760 --> 00:39:33,119 privilege of the floor concerning 604 00:39:33,119 --> 00:39:35,839 general city business. We have two 605 00:39:35,839 --> 00:39:38,640 individuals signed up to speak, and I'd 606 00:39:38,640 --> 00:39:46,630 like to call Miss Ellie Pepper. 607 00:39:46,640 --> 00:39:48,960 Hello again, council members, Mr. 608 00:39:48,960 --> 00:39:52,240 President, mayor. 609 00:39:52,240 --> 00:39:53,920 My name is Ellie Pepper. I live in the 610 00:39:53,920 --> 00:39:56,640 city of Skenctity. I want to speak about 611 00:39:56,640 --> 00:39:59,040 what happened with council member Justin 612 00:39:59,040 --> 00:40:01,119 Chairs because it highlights a larger 613 00:40:01,119 --> 00:40:03,839 issue about how power is being exercised 614 00:40:03,839 --> 00:40:06,560 in this city. The council followed the 615 00:40:06,560 --> 00:40:08,880 city charter and appointed Justin Chairs 616 00:40:08,880 --> 00:40:11,680 to fill a vacancy. Instead of respecting 617 00:40:11,680 --> 00:40:14,079 that decision, the mayor chose to file a 618 00:40:14,079 --> 00:40:15,839 lawsuit to try to block him from taking 619 00:40:15,839 --> 00:40:18,800 the seat. That lawsuit used taxpayer 620 00:40:18,800 --> 00:40:20,960 dollars to fight a political battle 621 00:40:20,960 --> 00:40:23,839 inside our own city government. When the 622 00:40:23,839 --> 00:40:26,400 mayor uses taxpayer funded lawyers to 623 00:40:26,400 --> 00:40:28,800 fight the city council over who gets to 624 00:40:28,800 --> 00:40:31,760 serve here, that is not governing. That 625 00:40:31,760 --> 00:40:34,880 is political control. And in the end, 626 00:40:34,880 --> 00:40:36,720 the court ordered that Justin chairs be 627 00:40:36,720 --> 00:40:39,760 seated anyway. So the result was delay, 628 00:40:39,760 --> 00:40:43,440 expense, and unnecessary conflict. All 629 00:40:43,440 --> 00:40:48,320 paid for by the residents of this city. 630 00:40:48,320 --> 00:40:50,640 So I think it's fair to ask the mayor a 631 00:40:50,640 --> 00:40:52,400 simple question. 632 00:40:52,400 --> 00:40:55,440 where why were taxpayer dollars spent 633 00:40:55,440 --> 00:40:58,160 trying to keep a dyapp appointed council 634 00:40:58,160 --> 00:41:02,000 member from taking his seat? And now, 635 00:41:02,000 --> 00:41:04,000 even though Justin chairs is serving as 636 00:41:04,000 --> 00:41:06,480 a city council member, the Democratic 637 00:41:06,480 --> 00:41:08,800 committee has endorsed someone else to 638 00:41:08,800 --> 00:41:11,760 run for the very seat he holds. Taken 639 00:41:11,760 --> 00:41:14,000 together, it sends a message that the 640 00:41:14,000 --> 00:41:16,560 real decisions about who serves in city 641 00:41:16,560 --> 00:41:18,960 government may not always be made by 642 00:41:18,960 --> 00:41:23,040 voters. And we've seen this before. 643 00:41:23,040 --> 00:41:26,240 In 2025, sitting council members Mary 644 00:41:26,240 --> 00:41:28,319 and Porterfield and Demani Farley were 645 00:41:28,319 --> 00:41:30,560 denied the Democratic endorsement while 646 00:41:30,560 --> 00:41:33,040 they were incumbents. Without that 647 00:41:33,040 --> 00:41:34,960 endorsement, it became extremely 648 00:41:34,960 --> 00:41:37,440 difficult for them to keep their seats. 649 00:41:37,440 --> 00:41:39,280 And I think we also have to acknowledge 650 00:41:39,280 --> 00:41:42,640 something else. Justin Chairs, Marian 651 00:41:42,640 --> 00:41:45,680 Porterfield, and Demani Farley are all 652 00:41:45,680 --> 00:41:48,480 black leaders in this city. two of the 653 00:41:48,480 --> 00:41:52,720 candidates endorsed over them are white. 654 00:41:52,720 --> 00:41:54,880 I'm not here to assign motives, but when 655 00:41:54,880 --> 00:41:57,760 I see that pattern, it raises a serious 656 00:41:57,760 --> 00:42:00,480 question about who gets support, who 657 00:42:00,480 --> 00:42:03,040 gets pushed aside, and whose leadership 658 00:42:03,040 --> 00:42:05,040 is valued. 659 00:42:05,040 --> 00:42:08,000 When I look at these events together, 660 00:42:08,000 --> 00:42:11,200 I see a pattern when someone falls out 661 00:42:11,200 --> 00:42:12,880 of favor with the political leadership 662 00:42:12,880 --> 00:42:15,680 of the Democratic party in this city. 663 00:42:15,680 --> 00:42:17,200 leadership that the mayor plays a 664 00:42:17,200 --> 00:42:19,760 central role in the machinery of 665 00:42:19,760 --> 00:42:23,200 politics moves to replace them. Whether 666 00:42:23,200 --> 00:42:25,520 someone supported Justin, Marian or 667 00:42:25,520 --> 00:42:28,319 Demani is not really the point. The 668 00:42:28,319 --> 00:42:31,200 point is the system. Skenctity is 669 00:42:31,200 --> 00:42:34,000 overwhelmingly democratic. So in many 670 00:42:34,000 --> 00:42:36,960 city races, the Democratic endorsement 671 00:42:36,960 --> 00:42:39,920 effectively determines the outcome. That 672 00:42:39,920 --> 00:42:42,560 means the most important decision about 673 00:42:42,560 --> 00:42:45,280 who represents this city can end up 674 00:42:45,280 --> 00:42:48,000 being made in a committee room rather 675 00:42:48,000 --> 00:42:51,200 than at the ballot box. And when fewer 676 00:42:51,200 --> 00:42:54,960 than 30% of registered voters even show 677 00:42:54,960 --> 00:42:57,839 up in a city election as they did in 678 00:42:57,839 --> 00:42:59,440 2025, 679 00:42:59,440 --> 00:43:01,920 it's hard to claim that these outcomes 680 00:43:01,920 --> 00:43:04,000 represent a strong mandate from the 681 00:43:04,000 --> 00:43:04,960 people. 682 00:43:04,960 --> 00:43:07,440 >> Excuse me. The residents of Skenctity 683 00:43:07,440 --> 00:43:09,440 >> The residents of Skenctity deserve a 684 00:43:09,440 --> 00:43:11,599 government where their vote matters, 685 00:43:11,599 --> 00:43:13,440 where leadership is determined by 686 00:43:13,440 --> 00:43:16,480 voters, not filtered through internal 687 00:43:16,480 --> 00:43:19,280 political decisions because the seats in 688 00:43:19,280 --> 00:43:22,480 this chamber do not belong to a party 689 00:43:22,480 --> 00:43:24,400 organization. 690 00:43:24,400 --> 00:43:26,720 They belong they do not belong to the 691 00:43:26,720 --> 00:43:30,000 mayor. They belong to the people of 692 00:43:30,000 --> 00:43:34,135 Skenctity. Thank you. 693 00:43:34,135 --> 00:43:38,950 >> [applause] 694 00:43:38,960 --> 00:43:43,750 » Miss Porterfield. 695 00:43:43,760 --> 00:43:45,680 » Thank you again, council members, 696 00:43:45,680 --> 00:43:47,680 council president, mayor. Uh first of 697 00:43:47,680 --> 00:43:49,440 all, I just would like to address item 698 00:43:49,440 --> 00:43:51,760 number five on the agenda tonight. I 699 00:43:51,760 --> 00:43:54,000 want to thank uh council member Wiggins 700 00:43:54,000 --> 00:43:55,440 for agreeing to chair the housing 701 00:43:55,440 --> 00:43:57,760 stability task force. There are a number 702 00:43:57,760 --> 00:43:59,040 of residents who are interested in this 703 00:43:59,040 --> 00:44:01,280 and I'm sure they'll be um very much 704 00:44:01,280 --> 00:44:04,480 want to be a part of the process to um 705 00:44:04,480 --> 00:44:06,160 make sure that we get stable housing for 706 00:44:06,160 --> 00:44:07,920 the city uh residents of the city of 707 00:44:07,920 --> 00:44:09,920 Skenctity. I'd also like to thank 708 00:44:09,920 --> 00:44:12,720 council members for working together to 709 00:44:12,720 --> 00:44:14,560 help residents stay in their homes and 710 00:44:14,560 --> 00:44:16,160 to maintain their properties by the 711 00:44:16,160 --> 00:44:17,839 redemptions that were done tonight. That 712 00:44:17,839 --> 00:44:19,440 means a lot for people living in our 713 00:44:19,440 --> 00:44:21,040 city. And so I just want to thank you 714 00:44:21,040 --> 00:44:23,280 for the work that you've done on that. I 715 00:44:23,280 --> 00:44:25,119 also wanted to just say uh this is 716 00:44:25,119 --> 00:44:27,440 Women's History Month. So, uh, happy 717 00:44:27,440 --> 00:44:29,440 Women's History Month. And I also just 718 00:44:29,440 --> 00:44:30,880 want to leave these words with you from 719 00:44:30,880 --> 00:44:33,280 Maya Angelo. You may shoot me with your 720 00:44:33,280 --> 00:44:35,359 words. You may cut me with your eyes. 721 00:44:35,359 --> 00:44:37,359 You may kill me with your hatefulness. 722 00:44:37,359 --> 00:44:40,800 But to but still, I will rise. 723 00:44:40,800 --> 00:44:44,865 Thank you. 724 00:44:44,875 --> 00:44:46,640 [applause] 725 00:44:46,640 --> 00:44:48,160 >> So, I have no one signed no one else 726 00:44:48,160 --> 00:44:49,440 signed up to speak. So, I'll declare 727 00:44:49,440 --> 00:44:51,359 public comment on general city business 728 00:44:51,359 --> 00:44:54,319 closed. 729 00:44:54,319 --> 00:44:55,680 At this time, I'll entertain any 730 00:44:55,680 --> 00:45:00,390 miscellaneous business of the council. 731 00:45:00,400 --> 00:45:06,150 Hear none. Mr. Mayor, 732 00:45:06,160 --> 00:45:09,839 thank you. Uh, Mr. President, can uh 733 00:45:09,839 --> 00:45:13,280 have no ill will toward Mr. Chairs, but 734 00:45:13,280 --> 00:45:15,440 uh again, the appointment process that 735 00:45:15,440 --> 00:45:18,400 the council took was the most bizarre 736 00:45:18,400 --> 00:45:21,040 thing I've seen in probably my 40ome 737 00:45:21,040 --> 00:45:23,440 years being involved in city politics. 738 00:45:23,440 --> 00:45:25,200 Again, 739 00:45:25,200 --> 00:45:27,200 they uh weren't going to fill the 740 00:45:27,200 --> 00:45:28,640 position. Then all of a sudden, they 741 00:45:28,640 --> 00:45:30,960 were going to fill the position. Uh they 742 00:45:30,960 --> 00:45:34,319 did interviews behind closed doors, 743 00:45:34,319 --> 00:45:38,560 giving individuals only 10 minutes to uh 744 00:45:38,560 --> 00:45:42,000 speak. Uh for the first time in my 745 00:45:42,000 --> 00:45:45,040 career as uh the mayor, I was excluded 746 00:45:45,040 --> 00:45:47,839 from that process. And again, if you 747 00:45:47,839 --> 00:45:50,319 watch the meeting, uh, and again, the 748 00:45:50,319 --> 00:45:52,480 council spent a lot of time researching 749 00:45:52,480 --> 00:45:54,240 whether it was a motion, whether it was 750 00:45:54,240 --> 00:45:57,280 a resolution, trying to maneuver some of 751 00:45:57,280 --> 00:45:58,319 the things, and there are 752 00:45:58,319 --> 00:46:00,560 inconsistencies within the charter and 753 00:46:00,560 --> 00:46:05,680 within the laws. Uh, but 754 00:46:05,680 --> 00:46:08,079 the the resolution put before the 755 00:46:08,079 --> 00:46:10,800 council was blank. There was no name on 756 00:46:10,800 --> 00:46:12,400 it. The council wasn't sure who they 757 00:46:12,400 --> 00:46:14,079 were going to appoint. And then they 758 00:46:14,079 --> 00:46:16,160 went back and forth. and then all of a 759 00:46:16,160 --> 00:46:18,079 sudden they made the decision to make an 760 00:46:18,079 --> 00:46:20,400 appointment and actually still voted on 761 00:46:20,400 --> 00:46:22,720 what was a blank resolution that wasn't 762 00:46:22,720 --> 00:46:25,920 filled out. And so I challenge that and 763 00:46:25,920 --> 00:46:27,839 again I think the fundamental process 764 00:46:27,839 --> 00:46:31,520 was still flawed and uh again we 765 00:46:31,520 --> 00:46:33,920 hopefully can move beyond that and do it 766 00:46:33,920 --> 00:46:35,680 in a manner where things are more open 767 00:46:35,680 --> 00:46:38,000 and transparent as opposed to enclosed 768 00:46:38,000 --> 00:46:39,760 doors. 769 00:46:39,760 --> 00:46:42,240 And I appreciate Mr. President, you're 770 00:46:42,240 --> 00:46:45,839 putting forward the uh trash issue again 771 00:46:45,839 --> 00:46:47,839 because the legislation passed by the 772 00:46:47,839 --> 00:46:51,200 council was unmanageable. 773 00:46:51,200 --> 00:46:53,839 The sticker system was put in place and 774 00:46:53,839 --> 00:46:55,839 again was passed by the council 775 00:46:55,839 --> 00:46:57,680 unanimously. 776 00:46:57,680 --> 00:47:02,160 But the council would not put in place a 777 00:47:02,160 --> 00:47:05,280 quantity of garbage to limit stuff going 778 00:47:05,280 --> 00:47:09,359 out. We had suggested the uh management 779 00:47:09,359 --> 00:47:13,200 side to put six bags there even though 780 00:47:13,200 --> 00:47:16,000 open to discussion. And so the problem 781 00:47:16,000 --> 00:47:17,920 with the legislation was passed having 782 00:47:17,920 --> 00:47:20,960 no limit on the bags was there was a 783 00:47:20,960 --> 00:47:23,359 sticker system put in place. So if you 784 00:47:23,359 --> 00:47:25,599 wanted to get rid of a chair, you had to 785 00:47:25,599 --> 00:47:29,040 put a sticker on it for $5, $10 786 00:47:29,040 --> 00:47:31,520 depending on the category that went in. 787 00:47:31,520 --> 00:47:33,119 Now, if you didn't want to do that, all 788 00:47:33,119 --> 00:47:35,200 you had to do is put a plastic bag over 789 00:47:35,200 --> 00:47:38,960 it and the crews had to pick it up uh 790 00:47:38,960 --> 00:47:41,599 under the regular garbage that the 791 00:47:41,599 --> 00:47:43,440 component of the sticker system was 792 00:47:43,440 --> 00:47:45,599 really unmanageable. So, I look forward 793 00:47:45,599 --> 00:47:47,760 to working with the council to go back 794 00:47:47,760 --> 00:47:49,839 to that and have something in place so 795 00:47:49,839 --> 00:47:52,400 that we define a quantity of garbage 796 00:47:52,400 --> 00:47:54,079 that is appropriate for people to put 797 00:47:54,079 --> 00:47:57,440 out. we eliminate the jackpots where we 798 00:47:57,440 --> 00:47:59,359 have people that are putting huge 799 00:47:59,359 --> 00:48:03,280 amounts of garbage out and really taking 800 00:48:03,280 --> 00:48:05,359 advantage of the system and so that we 801 00:48:05,359 --> 00:48:07,040 want something that's manageable that 802 00:48:07,040 --> 00:48:09,119 goes forward that again continues the 803 00:48:09,119 --> 00:48:11,760 excellent program garbage removal that 804 00:48:11,760 --> 00:48:14,880 the city has in place. Thank you, Mr. 805 00:48:14,880 --> 00:48:16,000 President. 806 00:48:16,000 --> 00:48:18,240 >> Thank you. I think in addressing uh your 807 00:48:18,240 --> 00:48:21,200 initial comments, I believe uh it is 808 00:48:21,200 --> 00:48:23,359 understanding to recognize that that is 809 00:48:23,359 --> 00:48:25,440 your version. I think very much we were 810 00:48:25,440 --> 00:48:27,200 able to prove in court a different 811 00:48:27,200 --> 00:48:30,079 version which uh was supported. Uh I 812 00:48:30,079 --> 00:48:32,480 think with that um definitely there was 813 00:48:32,480 --> 00:48:36,400 a deviation from prior methods but what 814 00:48:36,400 --> 00:48:39,040 Miss Porterfield and her um elected 815 00:48:39,040 --> 00:48:41,599 position did was taking a step forward 816 00:48:41,599 --> 00:48:43,520 to being more transparent and that is 817 00:48:43,520 --> 00:48:47,119 not to say that that was a completion of 818 00:48:47,119 --> 00:48:48,960 us continuing to improve the process but 819 00:48:48,960 --> 00:48:50,000 it was a step towards the right 820 00:48:50,000 --> 00:48:53,520 direction. Uh I think with that uh 821 00:48:53,520 --> 00:48:55,839 having your opinion 822 00:48:55,839 --> 00:48:59,119 it it it allowed 823 00:48:59,119 --> 00:49:01,599 for very a tumultuous setting. Um but 824 00:49:01,599 --> 00:49:03,920 sincerely navigating through that I am 825 00:49:03,920 --> 00:49:06,400 confident to say that with Mr. Chair's 826 00:49:06,400 --> 00:49:07,920 appointment and with this current 827 00:49:07,920 --> 00:49:09,680 framework of the council we are able to 828 00:49:09,680 --> 00:49:12,319 do some good work. Uh one of those items 829 00:49:12,319 --> 00:49:13,440 that you were referencing was the 830 00:49:13,440 --> 00:49:15,440 sticker program. Uh I would like to 831 00:49:15,440 --> 00:49:17,599 identify that in your previous statement 832 00:49:17,599 --> 00:49:19,440 Mr. Mayor, uh you identified that 833 00:49:19,440 --> 00:49:20,800 regardless of whatever action the 834 00:49:20,800 --> 00:49:22,240 council would take that you felt 835 00:49:22,240 --> 00:49:23,839 confident that you'd be able to enforce 836 00:49:23,839 --> 00:49:26,160 it to the best of your abilities and 837 00:49:26,160 --> 00:49:30,559 that was uh not not not the case. Uh but 838 00:49:30,559 --> 00:49:32,160 I don't think we're at the standpoint of 839 00:49:32,160 --> 00:49:33,920 pointing any fingers. I think it is how 840 00:49:33,920 --> 00:49:35,280 do we collectively work together to 841 00:49:35,280 --> 00:49:37,520 ensure that the people receive not just 842 00:49:37,520 --> 00:49:39,599 the legislative support but also the 843 00:49:39,599 --> 00:49:41,760 operational support. And if we are not 844 00:49:41,760 --> 00:49:43,280 able to achieve that outcome, we need to 845 00:49:43,280 --> 00:49:45,359 come back to the table uh with the 846 00:49:45,359 --> 00:49:48,319 matter of um frankness to not just 847 00:49:48,319 --> 00:49:50,000 continue these conversations but wanting 848 00:49:50,000 --> 00:49:51,760 to get to a point of resolution so that 849 00:49:51,760 --> 00:49:54,319 we can be actionable. 850 00:49:54,319 --> 00:49:55,839 With that, I wanted to take a moment to 851 00:49:55,839 --> 00:49:57,520 appreciate just some uh really good 852 00:49:57,520 --> 00:49:58,559 accomplishments that are occurring 853 00:49:58,559 --> 00:50:00,160 around the city of Skenctity. Uh 854 00:50:00,160 --> 00:50:02,559 beginning with the YW.CA's harbor house 855 00:50:02,559 --> 00:50:04,800 breaking ground. Uh also, I'd like to 856 00:50:04,800 --> 00:50:06,800 identify that we just celebrated Holly 857 00:50:06,800 --> 00:50:08,319 in the city of Skenctity. Although I 858 00:50:08,319 --> 00:50:10,480 wasn't able to attend uh it was very uh 859 00:50:10,480 --> 00:50:12,480 windy uh and I hope people are able to 860 00:50:12,480 --> 00:50:14,720 appreciate that colorful ceremony uh 861 00:50:14,720 --> 00:50:16,800 very much it is uh in line with what 862 00:50:16,800 --> 00:50:18,720 Skenki is and that is us just working in 863 00:50:18,720 --> 00:50:21,440 unison and cohesion. Uh want to take the 864 00:50:21,440 --> 00:50:23,280 moment to acknowledge that we celebrated 865 00:50:23,280 --> 00:50:25,280 our fourth annual women's march. Uh so 866 00:50:25,280 --> 00:50:27,359 as was highlighted that today or this 867 00:50:27,359 --> 00:50:29,839 month is uh uh women's appreciation 868 00:50:29,839 --> 00:50:32,160 month sincerely. Uh it is not needing to 869 00:50:32,160 --> 00:50:33,920 be restricted to one month. Um but we 870 00:50:33,920 --> 00:50:35,119 need to make sure we are actional and 871 00:50:35,119 --> 00:50:37,760 ensuring that we are progressing um a 872 00:50:37,760 --> 00:50:40,000 lot of policies and steps forward to 873 00:50:40,000 --> 00:50:41,520 ensure that they have rightful places 874 00:50:41,520 --> 00:50:43,280 not just in the professional setting uh 875 00:50:43,280 --> 00:50:45,839 but throughout all of our interactions. 876 00:50:45,839 --> 00:50:47,520 I also want to take a moment to 877 00:50:47,520 --> 00:50:50,400 highlight uh this Belmont for selecting 878 00:50:50,400 --> 00:50:52,000 their new president and vice president. 879 00:50:52,000 --> 00:50:54,559 That's Darnell Jennings and Gary Murray. 880 00:50:54,559 --> 00:50:56,800 uh sincerely that is a vibrant community 881 00:50:56,800 --> 00:50:59,040 and oftent times it is ensuring that our 882 00:50:59,040 --> 00:51:01,359 youth throughout the city have not just 883 00:51:01,359 --> 00:51:04,160 uh opportunities uh but activities that 884 00:51:04,160 --> 00:51:06,240 they can put their minds to and better 885 00:51:06,240 --> 00:51:09,200 themselves day in and day out. Also what 886 00:51:09,200 --> 00:51:11,680 is happening right now across the way is 887 00:51:11,680 --> 00:51:13,440 Proctors is celebrating their 100 years 888 00:51:13,440 --> 00:51:15,680 of magic. Uh truly Proctor is a partner 889 00:51:15,680 --> 00:51:18,400 that the city of Skenki has long um been 890 00:51:18,400 --> 00:51:21,040 in in in collaboration with and although 891 00:51:21,040 --> 00:51:22,480 we cannot be there now I hope a number 892 00:51:22,480 --> 00:51:24,800 of you will be able to hustle over uh to 893 00:51:24,800 --> 00:51:27,119 at least appreciate uh what they have 894 00:51:27,119 --> 00:51:28,640 done and what they will continue to do 895 00:51:28,640 --> 00:51:30,480 not just for our city but also for our 896 00:51:30,480 --> 00:51:33,200 surrounding communities. Uh and I 897 00:51:33,200 --> 00:51:34,960 believe I will be remissed if I do not 898 00:51:34,960 --> 00:51:38,480 acknowledge um we recently heard of 899 00:51:38,480 --> 00:51:40,079 union discussions that were taking place 900 00:51:40,079 --> 00:51:42,720 in Albany uh surrounding tier six. And I 901 00:51:42,720 --> 00:51:44,880 wanted to take this opportunity that uh 902 00:51:44,880 --> 00:51:46,880 I stand in solidarity with our local 903 00:51:46,880 --> 00:51:49,200 educators uh with our EMS workers and 904 00:51:49,200 --> 00:51:50,559 also with our state employees that are 905 00:51:50,559 --> 00:51:52,720 impacted and we truly need to fix tier 906 00:51:52,720 --> 00:51:54,800 6. Uh I say that understanding that 907 00:51:54,800 --> 00:51:56,880 there's often a deviation in 908 00:51:56,880 --> 00:51:58,480 functionalities of the school district 909 00:51:58,480 --> 00:52:00,880 and city hall. Uh but sincerely this the 910 00:52:00,880 --> 00:52:02,319 message that Skenctity needs to embrace 911 00:52:02,319 --> 00:52:04,240 is if there is an injustice to any one 912 00:52:04,240 --> 00:52:05,599 of us, we all need to make sure we take 913 00:52:05,599 --> 00:52:07,839 up that mantle. Uh and I'm confident 914 00:52:07,839 --> 00:52:10,240 that our state legislators and um 915 00:52:10,240 --> 00:52:12,480 governor understands the impacts of 916 00:52:12,480 --> 00:52:14,079 allowing this to continue to exist. And 917 00:52:14,079 --> 00:52:15,839 although this doesn't impact every 918 00:52:15,839 --> 00:52:18,720 individual truly for our newly appointed 919 00:52:18,720 --> 00:52:22,640 uh our newly uh newly incoming teachers, 920 00:52:22,640 --> 00:52:24,160 uh we need to make sure that it is a 921 00:52:24,160 --> 00:52:27,200 system that takes your investment and 922 00:52:27,200 --> 00:52:29,200 allows you the opportunity to benefit 923 00:52:29,200 --> 00:52:31,200 and enjoy your years of service 924 00:52:31,200 --> 00:52:32,720 thereafter. 925 00:52:32,720 --> 00:52:34,000 Uh so with that, I would like to 926 00:52:34,000 --> 00:52:36,240 entertain a motion to adjurnn. Moved by 927 00:52:36,240 --> 00:52:38,240 Mr. Min, second by Mr. Chairs. All those 928 00:52:38,240 --> 00:52:39,200 in favor? 929 00:52:39,200 --> 00:52:42,960 >> I we are adjourned. Have a good night. 930 00:52:42,960 --> 00:53:05,291 Good to see you. 931 00:53:05,301 --> 00:53:23,041 » [music]