[music]
» Woo.
» [music]
» Cuz Kim can't stay long.
All right. So,
just talking out loud, I know Kim is on
a time crunch as well.
So, government operations and we have
the full complement, you know, just
myself and Kim. Okay. So, it's the out
of the pressing issues. I mean, having a
conversation about trash can stay on the
side. Stay on the timeline.
Yes, government operations can do that.
Um any other pressing issues government
operations?
Yeah.
All right.
So, you're going to do
So, Kim, are you there?
Just talk about those
and then we'll adjourn after that.
What do you want me to do? No, no,
sorry. We'll just use this seat.
Yeah. Okay.
So, you want to prioritize those issues?
Yeah. Uh
cuz Kim's on a time crunch as well.
And this is a fine committee.
Any others?
And clean and government operations.
Do you need one of Kim's chairs? I have
a stack of chairs. Okay.
And
the further conversation.
And so, we can you know, we can keep
Okay, perfect.
Okay, right.
Yes, everything else can be discussed.
Okay.
All right.
Good evening. I'd like to call this
Grand Rapids City Council Committee
meeting to order. Today is May 4th,
2026. I apologize for the delay and the
rearranging due to some quorum concerns.
We are going to be readjusting some key
priority items
for consideration with respect to Ms.
Wiggins' time, which is a
uh limited for tonight. So, everyone
please bear in mind for the slight
adjustments. Uh so, moving into
government operations, we will be doing
uh item number one out of Health and
Rec, authorizing the mayor to enter an
agreement with the USTA for the
installation and operation of a smart
access lock and system in coordination
with the Serve Tennis Management
Program.
Additionally, when we are moving into
government operations, are three items
from the Finance Committee.
2026 to 2027
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Um
We are also going to moving into
government operations is 2026 to 2027 US
Department of Housing and Urban
Development allocations.
Call for public hearing for 2026 to 2027
annual action plan.
And the call for public hearing to amend
section 186-25
of the Central Park Tennis Courts fee
and reservation system.
And the last two items we'll be moving
into government operations are from City
Development and Planning. The first two
items to review amending section 9-6 of
the Schenectady City Code to increase
membership of the Downtown Special
Assessment District Board from 9 to 15
members and to amend such membership
qualifications.
And the call for public hearing to amend
chapter 161 of the Schenectady City
Code.
Those are the items that will be moving
to government operations.
So, these five to government operations.
Thank you.
So, I'll start with that.
At this time, I'd like to call to order
the Committee on Government Operations.
First order of business is authorizing
the mayor to enter into an agreement
with the USTA for installation and
operation of smart access lock set
system in coordination with severe
tennis management programs. Presenting
Chris Waller.
Good evening.
Um in your packet was provided
contract draft contract and information
deck on the system. It is a algorithm
based access system that we are looking
to put at the newly reconstructed
Central Park tennis facility.
The locks will allow only those who
access them through the Surf tennis app
to have access.
Um it is a basic form of security, but a
form of security nonetheless, whereas
right now our tennis courts do not have
any forms of security. It will allow us
to not staff the tennis courts, allow us
to charge the rates that we want and
track data and monitor who's using the
courts on a daily annual basis. Uh this
is a USTA based program, one that the
USTA uses on all their courts. USTA is a
partner on this project, so we thought
it would be in the interest of everyone
to use the USTA sponsored program. Um the contract through the
contract it states that the USTA will be
paying for the two lock sets in the
first year of operations for the lock
sets as well as the giving us $1,250 for
the installation of the gates.
And then uh after the first year the
costs are $500 for the one lock and $300
for the second.
Um which we'll have to put into our
operating budget.
Um
and the idea is is that these will help
us just keep out you know people who use
tennis courts as
dog parks or skate parks or things like
that and try to just keep the the courts
in a pristine condition. Um there is no
term. It is a just rolling contract that
we cancel there that this is not a
binding
contract where we're signing it for a
minimum period of X amount of years. It
is just a year to year contract with the
USTA.
And those two numbers again you said
you're looking at how much?
So this year will be zero.
Next year will be for the two $830.
And then the increase after that the
year after that or stay at that amount?
You've heard the presentation by Mr.
Waller.
Any questions?
Comments, concerns? Council President
Waller. Uh thank you Mr. Waller. I know
there were three options to consider for
the doors. Did you have a preference or
I didn't know what the options were.
>> Yes, we will be working with option
No, padlock. We will be working with
option three the code lock system.
And then the so the gates will be
fashioned as shown on option three
with the reinforced handles
and lock set.
So that that's what we're doing with
that facility. We'll have two uh gate A
and a gate B. All the other gates will
be locked with a typical city standard
lock cuz that is not for the public. We
really want to
treat this facility as it has two main
entrances and everyone going through
such. We uh city will have access
um to the facility with our own private
code that's programmed into it and then
for large tournaments and events where
the whole facility is open you can with
a master key turn off the system so that
the locks are just like a door so that
you don't have people coming for a
tournament putting in locks.
And then I'm sorry.
Uh I had an additional question that
kind of loops into the fee and
reservation system all together since
you're already here.
Um I do have some hesitancies with us
charging our residents to use community
facilities and resources.
Is there any ability for us to provide a
code without someone having an account
to request that if that makes sense?
So
uh for the next portion where we talk
about fees, but if we wanted to create different tiers
there are ways to do that. So
essentially what you what we would have
to do however is put that information in
there to show that they are a member or
a resident into the system and then when
they log into the system they wouldn't
have that charge, but we would have to
do that in the back office end of it.
Otherwise it would do it's essentially
proving the residency. That's something
that we would have to work out. So there
would have to be some kind of an
application for someone to make to say
that yes I'm a resident and I want to be
in the system as a member resident so
that I have a zero fee. Perfect. Thank
you.
Uh the one thing just to point out to
you with the the Surf tennis just want
to give you the overview.
Surf tennis and smart access they are
they work in conjunction. So what it
allows us to do is we now have 18 courts
and you will reserve the court that you
want as long as that court is available.
So that's what we would go to the
facility and you would say I want to
play court six for this hour or two
hours and then program and then it would
say okay and then give you the code so
that
that's important because it's a back
office system
and that's similar to what we have at
the golf course where you'll be able to
reserve the courts and manage the courts
as an asset whereas before um it was
kind of a few would look all the courts
are taken I don't know what we're going
to be able to actually be able to
reserve and know when the courts are.
Um additionally because of the new
layout of the courts it's a very
efficient
uh layout using the pod system of access
we'll be actually able to run small
events and sectional events if there's
not 18 and actually have the public
available to play other courts and
they'll be completely separate from each
other. So the utilization of the courts
should be very high.
Any questions, comments, concerns? Mr.
uh what's the staffing cost right now or
would it be if you just had the staff
without the lock and gate?
Do you have that number? Uh Paul do you
remember what that number was?
>> We would have to staff a seasonal at the tennis courts. Well we staff a
seasonal you need to staff more than one
because usually the courts start to play
kind of 7:00 in the morning and in the
summer hours it's late up until 9:00 so
8-hour shift ends and then people come
in and break for lunch. So usually we
staff with seasonal employees.
Um so
But in excess of probably $25,000 for
the summer. Yeah.
Oh.
Thank you. Yep.
Any comments, other comments, questions,
concerns? Seeing none Mr. President
Committee.
I'm good.
A motion to
authorize the mayor to enter into
agreement with the USTA. Second.
It's been moved.
Second.
It's been moved properly seconded. All
those in favor? Aye.
Motion carried. Thank you.
Mr. Waller. Second on the list
we have 2026-2027 US Department of
Housing and Urban Development
allocations with Miss Alexandria Harper.
Good evening city council members. I've
come before you today requesting that we
adopt a resolution authorizing
acceptance of our 2026-2027
HUD funding as listed for CDBG which is
our community development block grant.
We received $2,032,803
for our home funding, $1,263
and
ESG $180,000
$125,095
just round it out my apologies. Um this
is our
um annual allocation. We received our
final award letter from HUD so just our
resolution so that we're able to move
forward with our application
allocations.
Any comments, questions, concerns on
this?
Seeing none do I have a motion? So
moved.
Second. Second. It's been moved properly
seconded. All those in favor? Aye.
Motion carried. Thank you. Item number
two CPHB 2026 annual action plan Miss
Harper.
I come before you again. It
I am asking to call for a public
hearing. Our final
our draft allocations will be available
to the public on May 11th and in an
effort to stay on our federal government
timeline I'm asking today to call for a
public hearing at the next council
meeting. Again that information will be
available to you and public on May 11th.
Any comments, questions, concerns?
Mr. Chairman just for the record that
the public hearing would be in May 26th.
is a holiday. May after
Memorial Day. And that that's plenty of
time for the for the to be posted.
May 11th it has to be posted prior so
May 11th is will be our posting to May
11th is the posting May 26th is the
actual public hearing. Yes. Thank you.
Any comments, questions, concerns?
Seeing none do I have a motion? So
moved.
It's been properly moved and seconded.
All those in favor? Aye. Motion carried.
Thank you.
Third action Excuse me fourth item on
the list CPHB amend section 186 Central
Park tennis courts fees and reservations
with Mr. Paul LaFond.
Good evening.
Hello. This is a call for a public
hearing to amend
Again call for a public hearing to amend
chapter 186-25.
Um
some of the language is outdated in the
current city code and the new language
that would be added would um
with regards to fee structure and pod
structure. Pod structure is for the
tournaments and league play and then
there currently is a fee structure for
residents, non-residents,
um non-profits and
myself
City Engineer Chris Williams, Parks
Director Billy Masika, and Deputy Mayor
Williams met with Caesar Corporation and
went over some of the language. And we
do have some of the language.
So, it is to amend and start charging a
fee that we feel is adequate for the
playtime. And we did do some research,
looked around in Escanaba,
smaller places, the school district, and
um
the school district and and we are under
what they would be charging for their
park. It's the same number of courts
that the city school district
but they do charge
more money per hour.
Thank you, Mr. Williams. What was the
fee charged? Just for the difference.
Um did you get the Did you copy it?
>> not get a chance, unfortunately, to see
it.
Uh page 38.
$15 per hour per court. Correct. And
then there's the half-day charges. For
three courts, it's $50 per hour for
three courts. $250 half-day for five to
six and a half hours for three courts.
$500 full day 10 to 12 and a half hours
for three courts.
Correct.
I just wanted to do that to make sure
that we know and it's on record and said
out loud for those that are watching at
home. Any comments, questions, concerns?
Council President Williams. Uh so,
definitely thank you uh Mr. LaFontaine
for providing the legislation changes
and also the fee structure. I do have to
admit very hesitant charging residents
to use facilities. Um
I know this can very much be interpreted
as
charging them twice. So, I'm paying
taxes and then having another fee
associated with it. Uh
I think that's something that I don't
think that's something I do not feel
comfortable
uh voting in favor of. My one question
is, do we currently have a fee structure
in place for the tennis courts? Yes.
And then comparison, do these adjusted
costs exceed those or are they still in
line with them? And my my question I'm
getting to is, is there the ability for
this current fee structure to absorb the
cost for the residents so that we are
definitely having financial expectations
for outside members coming in and
enjoying our recreational facilities? Um
but I I would like to ensure that we are
protecting our residents from, again,
asking to pay twice for city resources.
Well, Mr. Chairman,
the current fee structure has not been
in force for a number of years. So, we
were not getting any revenue.
We've made
huge investments in this and if the
correlate this more like to the golf
course, so yes, the city
uh
has created the environment and done
some financing so that the golf course
is there, but individuals pay when they
play
golf. There is variance within that
structure for either residents or
non-residents.
And so, the tennis courts for
uh last
eight years, 10 years,
the fee structure has been in place. Uh
anybody that wanted to voluntarily pay
could
have been more than welcome to do that,
but
the cost of collecting it and
maintaining it was just too complex and
we wouldn't have made money on it. So,
now
we're looking to go back to a system
with some of these controls. We have
taken what was a nice facility and
really made it a world-class facility
when it opens. And so, looking to have
some fee structure in place so that
there's going to be revenue to do some
of the maintenance for uh the nets, uh
cleaning the surface of the courts,
other
uh ancillary maintenance items that will
allow the facility to
uh again be utilized in a manner that is
uh consistent with all the great work
we've done in Central Park. There is so
many offerings there. It's uh
just uh another addition to uh
you know, past record of
municipal investment.
And
could there are courts available on
Michigan Avenue, uh Jerry Baraga and
Karoub Park has tennis courts that there
are no fees associated with.
Thank you. What's the fee structure
difference as it relates to non-resident
to resident for playing the playing for
tournament, playing for court, playing
on a regular basis?
>> Correct. Yeah, correct.
I That was passed through uh
an amendment to the code. It's I have it
down on my wall. I don't have it right
here. And I know non-profits were I
think we were $14 for
non-city residents and
I'm not sure. I mean, it's I do have it.
There is a resolution for that from a few years
ago, several years ago.
Thank you. I could forward that to you
and scan it.
>> If you could, please. Councilman
Williams. Thank you. I think what I'd be
more comfortable with is if we
previously had the expectation of people
voluntary paying voluntarily paying, I
can imagine those numbers are very very
low to non-existent. Um what I can find
myself supporting
definitely have no issue with pushing
this forward for a call for public
hearing to hear officially, formally
from the community. Although I imagine
there'll be a lot of angst. Um what I
could find myself supporting is having a
tiered roll out where having this
initially proceed with non-residents and
the tournament fees. And I would like to
see a further assessment of what money
is brought into the city and if there
are additional considerations we need to
make for residents. Uh I think it'd be more appropriate to to
have that kind of tailored roll out
rather than saying altogether one thing
on our residents
to
fee structure that hasn't been
previously expected. I think it's
different than golf. You don't expect to
golf for free, but this has been a
resource that has been extended to our
community and I know it is a nice
resource and there are other options. I
think very much that comes across poorly
as a you can't play at this nice
facility, go to the other ones for free.
I don't think optically there's a nice
way to communicate that to the to the other facilities are
first class also. We've done that.
All of the
pickleball and tennis courts in
Bellevue, we're doing some of the crack
sealing maintenance on the ones on
Michigan Avenue.
Uh
and again, they shouldn't be viewed as
inferior, second rate, but this is now
top of the line and the surface is
different than the other courts.
Mr. Mayor, I appreciate you standing on
that. I do think that just
based on
easy optics as Councilman Williams has
stated, obviously our new facility is is
going to be completely different than
the other facilities even when we
resurfaced it and the work that's been
put into it. I don't want to belittle
the work that's been put into the new
Central Park facility area
on Arthur Street place, but uh Mr.
LaFontaine, if you could potentially
provide us I mean, this is obviously
just a vote for public hearing. If you
could provide us with a little bit of
language that would um prove what that
would look like for that tiered system
for residents to be able to access that
at a much reduced cost um
compared to what you have currently have
now. Uh
and this is just for the internal
working as well to kick around. If you
could email that with me and Councilman
uh Council President Williams just so we
can have an idea of where we stand as we
get to public hearing. If the public
comes forward and says that they hate
this concept, I want to be prepared to
move forward with something else. Okay.
Thank you.
And then I'm
Councilman Williams, I'd recommend
sending that to the same just so she
could push Miss Mike Lucy to push that
to the rest of the council people.
Mr. Chairman, so this will be a
resolution calling for a public hearing
on May 26th. Um what's before you is
the draft language
reflecting the new smart gate system and
deleting the old language which well,
the whole section really needs to be
redone in light of the smart gate system. So, the uh
proposed amendment to the code 16186.25
bracketed language is deleting all that
old language. The new language is
underlined and that's reflecting the
smart gate system. And then regarding
the the the fees which are
uh they are to be set by resolution by
the council going forward that rather
than having two separate pieces of
legislation because it's a new system,
the public hearing will cover both the
amendment of the ordinance as well as
the fees and which is attached to the
proposed ordinance. Perfect. Thank you.
This will be posted May 11th as well for
the public hearing on May 26th. It it
would be posted in the interim time. If there's any updates to the fee
schedule based on the comments here
tonight, the you know, the
Mr. LaFontaine can give it to the the
city clerk to for posting onto the
website for the city. Thank you much.
Councilman Williams. I have a final
question. Thank you. Any uh unforeseen
timelines? I know the tennis season is
essentially now got to be we have
another snow day which very much feels
like that.
Um just so we're aware to expedite her.
Well, the the tennis courts themselves
are scheduled to
be open When will they be open first?
June 1st.
Providing weather accommodates the the
last Final question, please.
Thank you.
And that gives you a little time to
install the new lock system as well.
Yeah, the lock system is will be
installed shortly after. Correct? The
lock system is with the June 1st opening
at the tennis company and should be in
the next week. Perfect. Thank you so
much. Any other comments, questions,
concerns?
Seeing none, do we have a motion? Uh
call for public hearing. Yes. Motion to
call for public hearing has been moved.
Properly seconded. All those in favor?
Aye.
So moved.
Next order of business, CR for National
Police Appreciation
This is a resolution just recognizing
the officers that have laid in line for
our city area across the nation. This is
nationally recognized
resolution is ready to be put forward.
Comments, questions, concerns?
Seeing none, do I have a motion for
resolution? So moved. Is there a move
properly seconded? All those in favor?
Aye.
Second, National Teacher Appreciation
Week, which kicks off tomorrow. This is
a resolution recognizing our educators
inside of the school system,
particularly here in the city of
Schenectady. Is there any comments,
questions, concerns on this?
Seeing none, do I have a motion? So
moved.
Is there a move properly seconded? All
those in favor? Aye.
Last of the resolutions is Memorial Day
resolution in the city of Schenectady
recognizing Memorial Day on May 25th of
this month.
It is a yearly nationally recognized
occurrence.
Nothing special here about this
resolution. Is there any comments,
questions, concerns?
No.
Do I have a motion? So moved. So moved.
Is there a move properly seconded? All
those in favor? Aye.
Next, we have the dumping site to small
park and recreational pilot program.
I'll do it by myself, chairman of this
committee. This program would allow us
to take a
piece of land. Per the legislation that
was written, it would take the Wyoming
Street access where we know there's been
an issue of dumping and turn that into a
recreational {slash} small park area,
which would allow for the area to be
fenced off for trail cams to be put up
to negate dumping sites and would access
a small, if allowable per budget,
[snorts] small gravel path, table, and
no swing sets to create a small
recreational area to deter dumping on
that site.
Comments, questions, concerns?
Councilman Owens. Uh sincerely, I think
we need to evaluate these types of
spaces which linger and present variety
of options, one of which is just prompt
for dumping absent true enforcement. I
think looking at them with a alternative
lens of how do we
provide more green space in a natural
way that makes them more engaging and
open
to other activities besides illegal
dumping, I think is important. Uh
definitely we can do it with a cost
consideration in mind. Truly being a
part of this cleanup as I know a number
of other council members have been you
know, the chairs being present here
tonight. Uh
truly the community feels hostage
to these types of behaviors dumping and
I think if we remove that opportunity
from individuals misusing the space and
realigning it with something that's very
positive, beautiful, beautifying, I
think truly it has us look at
Schenectady with a different lens. So, I
could be in favor of this. I would
definitely like to see different plans
and expectations for how our chief
engineer or also
Mr. Misika
might potentially have ideas as well.
Thank you.
Uh my only question was it says low
cost. I'd like to know what
you're defining low cost as cuz I know
when we looked at something for Mr.
Johnson a couple weeks ago,
there was a a number associated with it.
So, I would just like to know what we
are considering low cost. Uh certainly
low cost for considering for a small
park and recreational area, the number
was right around the $60,000 mark. By
designating that area as a small park
and recreation, we can actually use the
grant funding that is allowed to be
moved over. If I'm speaking incorrectly,
Mr. Brown, please feel free to stop me,
but with that grant money that we have,
say that we're filling up the pool with
$260,000 left over money could be used
for something like that, which would be
at low cost to remainder money of the
city. So, we could swing that money over
for the grants. We don't lose that grant
money. The pilot program is successful,
we can continue to use it going forward
as we receive different grant money so
we want to build it into the budget. So,
you're talking specifically the ARPA
funding that we recaptured. I'm talking
about that funding for this project, but
any funding going forward will allow you
to do such as you label it as parks and
recreation.
Uh Ms. Carver is not here. Um
Mr. Mayor, are we allowed to use that
ARPA funding for a project like this?
Have to check uh
the if it falls inside the scope and
follows the scope, then so.
I'm in this area,
but in general comments,
I appreciate all the time and effort
that went in there to clean it up. Uh
makes a big difference. We then had a
complaint of somebody dumping after
uh
cleanup has been done. The
making more generic comments as opposed
to specific ones here because the
follow-up is still being done. It was a
property owner on the street who was
just dumping stuff over the back of
their fence.
And so, it becomes very hard to
maintain property like that if you have
the people who are living there who are
part of the problem and creating the
issue in place.
I think to your point, I I agree with
you that is part of the problem being in
the city. That's why as well as in the
LR that I put in is for the trail cam so
this way you can see who's actually
allowing for an enforcement process to
be in place. It's not just a feel good,
it's practical um as well as allowing
for officers to enforce that process.
Then if we find that it's a homeowner
that is doing this dumping after so many
people have volunteered their time to
clean up a neighborhood, I think that
the the officers as well would be in
favor of making it easy enforcement
going forward.
Councilman Owens. Uh I'd say to that
point, definitely like giving credit
where credit is due. If I'm correct,
there was kind of a legislator who kind
of forwarded that comment to Chief
Whipple. Truly a testament to both of
them for taking upon themselves to
vocalize those concerns. And I say that
for a number of reasons, the one in
which is
if you see something, say something. I
think a lot of people around the city
just think that if I even if I do say
something, nothing is going to happen.
That is the only way to ensure that
nothing happens. By vocalizing the
issues or the pain points in our city is
how we identify these issues, not
assuming what people know or don't know,
and then allowing the appropriate
parties to respond in a manner that is
indicative of us running a city
effectively. So, I think in this
scenario, definitely think that most
homeowners would know what you can and
cannot do. Uh
chalk that up to as a lack of
understanding.
Uh but sincerely, I think once notified,
this individual quickly uh
cleaned up that area and I hope will
understand the gravity of containing
that type of behavior moving forward.
Um and in the grand scheme of things,
this is essentially one less resident
that we have to deal with in addressing
these types of behaviors. Uh so, I
applaud this effort and I look forward
to seeing how it can continue uh so that
we can look at not just this area, but
also other potential areas throughout
the city. Councilman Owens. I think
Comments, questions, concerns?
Seeing none, do I have a motion?
So moved.
Is there a move properly seconded?
The pilot program is going to take This
has to have a public hearing, Mr.
No, are you are you looking for what
taking money out of the ARPA funding
that's left over for the first $60,000
to do
I think it's just a resolution.
But not sure that we need to make that
We got to make We have to make sure that money that's being programmed here
is qualified under the ARPA. Should I
amend the motion to include that
statement? For
you can put it in pending you know, if
it qualifies under the ARPA funding
program. So,
Councilman Owens. No, go.
So, I'd say
wanting to see the scope of the project,
I think having those details in
addition, I can
formally say I'm in agreement with this.
I think but absent having actually just
some documentation of what that scope of
the project would look like,
I would want to see that first.
>> You can motion to table
Uh I would agree. I would like to see
um the detail of what's going to be
done. You know, it says in here the city
engineer will write a site site
assessment.
Um so, I would just like to see what the
cost like the breakdown would be and
then go from there
before we move forward with this. Mr.
Chairman, do you want to put it off for
2 weeks for those reports? We can do
that.
At this time, Mr. Brown, I'll take your
recommendation of tabling this for 2
weeks to the next council cycle so this
way we can get the appropriate
information and detailing of what that
looks like from our city engineer.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, sir.
I appreciate you.
Next on the list, second to last, we
have re-amending section 9-6 of
Schenectady City Codes to increase the
membership of the Downtown Special
Assessment District Board from 9 to 15
members and amend to such a membership
qualifications. PH was on April 27th,
2026. Presenting this is Council
President Carl Williams. Thank you. Uh
this was
previously heard. We had a public
hearing. I don't believe anyone came to
speak. Uh so, it's going to go forward
for final consideration. Absent any
questions or comments from the council.
Mr. Chairman, it's ready for final
action by the council. It's
housekeeping. It's just conforming the
ordinance with the law that was passed a
few years ago.
Does this Do you need a motion for this
or do you need Uh you make a motion just
to for final action.
So moved.
And seconded.
Second. I'm sorry. I apologize. I will
Are there any comments, questions, or
concerns on this action item?
Seeing none, do I have a motion? So
moved.
Okay. been moved properly seconded. All
those in favor? Aye.
Last on the list, also excuse me, just
for
to make sure I'm incorrect uh I'm
correct, excuse me. Uh Mr. Brown, do we
need a motion for that for the engineer
to bring that to me in 2 weeks? To go
back to that last second to last item
for the dumping?
You can do that.
Yes. Make a motion for the table that
for 2 weeks.
Do I have a motion to table that for 2
weeks to allow the city engineer the
time to get us the information on what
the pilot program for small parks and
recreation would be? So moved.
It's been moved properly seconded. All
those in favor? Aye.
Thank you. Last item on the list for
government operations, CPH amending
chapter 161 of Schenectady City Codes.
Mayor Gary McCarthy.
That's me. Oh, I've got the wrong name
here. Carl Williams.
Uh yes. So, uh definitely this is more
towards the conclusionary phase. Uh
everyone should have received the
language regarding code amendments for
chapter 161. I definitely before going
into this, I appreciate all of the
collaborative discussion that we've had.
Mr. O'Brien, if it's appropriate, would
you mind just walking us through
Okay. Those changes, not just for the
council, but also for individuals
listening in. Okay.
Um what's before you is a draft based on
the prior discussions the council
committee has had over the last several
weeks regarding amending chapter 161 of
the Schenectady City
which is dealing with the fee-based
system for collection of solid waste and
recyclables in the city.
Um what's before the entire
council and what is published online is
the that entire section article five of
chapter 161.
And
we the first part of it is really
definitions
of what waste is, etc.
But then you go into the section of
161-21
which is you know, a number of
discussions
over the last several weeks. In
particular, 161 subparagraph B, sections
one and two. That's dealing with the
size of the containers being for no less
than 10 [snorts] gallons and no more
than 45 gallons in size with lids and
that the
bags where you garbage would be placed
in plastic refuse bags tied at the top
for collection.
And containers, what is new language is
the size of the containers, maximum size
of 45 gallons, that's news. And
containers uh
the size was
already there, but now everything has to
be placed in the containers and
containers containers will be privately
purchased and each residence residential
collection points will have one
container for solid waste and one for
recyclable rubbish.
So it was 45 gallons was prior was but
now it's that the waste will be placed in plastic bags
contained in a in a
container with a lid. Um and
size of 10 gallons and no more than 45
gallons, so that's changed.
The excess solid waste items that are not can be put into the 45 gallon
can. Um there is a schedule set forth in
D
which is shall be collected in
coordination with the city's scheduled
white goods collection.
And collection of such items are
occurring no more than once per calendar
year month on a date designated for each
collection district as as established by
the city of Schenectady.
Then we get into the the rates or tiers
of service if you will for those excess
items.
Each single residential property
permitted up to two bulky items and or
quantities of excess solid waste for
collection on the designated monthly
collection day.
And for a two-family, it'll be up to two
can containers for solid waste will be
permitted permitted and up to four bulky
items and or and or quantities of excess
solid waste for collection on the
designated monthly collection day.
And then for three-family residential
property, up to three containers will be
permitted and up to six bulky items and
or quantities of excess solid waste for
collection on the designated monthly
collection days.
And then white goods which are those
items such as stoves, dishwashers, and
washing machines shall be collected
without numerical limitation. And as as
long as such items are placed for
collection in accordance with the
already city's established schedule.
Okay, that was based on discussions that
you the committee had with the council
had with Mr. O'Brien and and Chris Wan
over the past couple of weeks and that
language is
from them and
coordinated in with the corporation
council's office.
Um
Of note is the section C. This is the section that we had the
moratorium on the sticker program
which is by its own terms that
particular provision sunsets on June
14th.
Then we get into the bracketed material
that's
contained. Bracketed material means it's deleted. And what is that? That's
dealing with the business of the that
fee schedule X
and the container and the sticker
program. So
in there in in what you see, anything
that's bracketed
and anything that
anything that's bracketed is deleted.
Anything that's underlined is new.
Um
Also in in
there was discussions
at the last council meeting regarding
creating a separate solid waste fund.
The code already allows for that. Um and
that fees are are established by
resolution.
Um but to underscore that, I am looking
at
161-
23
uh B
where it says the director of finance
shall establish and maintain a separate
solid waste collection fund to be to
record and control the financial
activity related to the provision of
solid waste collection by the city.
The fund shall be maintained on the same
fiscal year as the city of Schenectady.
Um each year, this is already in the
code. Um each year the mayor at the time
of the submission of the annual budget
estimate to the city council shall
submit a statement of estimated
revenues, expenditures, and changes in
the fund as well as the fund balance for
the current fiscal year together with
estimate of expenditures for the next
fiscal year.
The mayor shall also at the same time
recommend a basic rate sufficient to
meet the estimated expenditures for the
next fiscal year taking into
consideration the estimated surplus or
deficit occurring from the fund
operations in the current year and other
sources of revenues.
And then I would add language said fees
are these charged at the
will be set the level of collection
service for each collection point. I
think that is capturing the tier of
service that if it's a larger residence
a larger
collection point, the fee is different
like we were talking one, two, and
three-family house residential units
earlier.
And uh
the
a new section C. Even though the code
currently calls for that fund, but they
kind of belt and suspenders it and to
really emphasize it, commencing in the
city fiscal year 2027, the solid waste
collection fund will be designated in
the 2027 operating budget as a separate
fund and such fund shall be in
conformance with New York State local
finance law.
So this is bringing that authority
that's already in the code and kind of
bringing it forward so it's you're
starting in fiscal year 2027
just like you have a golf fund, water
fund, a sewer fund, it will be a
separate line item stand alone there.
Um once again, annual determination of
funds which is under 161-24,
that's already as part of the the city
existing city code. A schedule of the
annual fee. I will look at the second
section second sentence. A schedule of
the annual collection fee shall be
approved by the city council by
resolution, maintained on file in the
commissioner's office, and the office of
the city clerk. Once again, underscoring
what the council was looking at as far
as a tiered level of service as said
fees to be charged will be set to level
collection service for each collection
point.
Um
then going down to 161-25.
Um this is for exemptions. Any person
because of age or disability shall
qualify for an exemption from city real
property taxes per and and to qualify
for real tax
real property tax
exemptions and is the owner and occupant
of any premises receiving solid waste
services provided pursuant to this
article shall be charged a reduced fee
for solid waste collection and disposal
services in the total sum.
The existing code is 137. That's just
hasn't kept current.
There's two type real quick. There's two
types of ordinances. There's ordinances
that amend the code which are the
chapter codes that we're dealing with
right now. And then you do your budget
ordinance and your your your bond
ordinance which are separate stand alone
ordinances that don't
get into the code. So when you over the
years when the council's adopted the
various budget ordinances, it's setting
the fee for that reduced fee. It just
was never captured into this part of the city code. So this is just
indicating what that current rate is
based on the the most current budget.
So it's just that's a housekeeping type
thing. Um that's
it's already
uh recognized in in the budget
ordinance.
And then the uh
the council was concerned regarding
violations and updating administrative
fees. Um this and the penalties is
161-26,
penalties for offenses.
Um it's new language um in subdivision B
is each and every day that a violate
violation continues after notice and the
expiration of the time for abatement
shall continue a separate and distinct
offense subject to the penalties
provided herein.
And uh
that's already in the existing code, but
it's just rephrased and renumbered in
that section.
And then we're getting into the
escalating civil penalties and lean
enforcement. In addition to any
penalties imposed in subsection A
um which is hasn't been changed, civil
penalties for violations of this chapter
shall be assessed on an escalating basis
for repeat offenses occurring within a
12-month period at the same property or
the by the same responsible party.
Now, each violation shall include a base
administrative fee for uh uh
$75. You know, Council member would have
been concerned about that
uh
administrative fee. I hadn't kept
current with the other administrative
fees that were increased a couple of
years ago.
In addition, a cleanup fee shall be
assessed on an escalating basis. So, in
other words, a cleanup fee, whatever it
costs the city to clean up the
particular amount.
And then if there's a a set of first
violation, a $75 administrative fee plus
a $75 cleanup cleanup fee plus a
and then a second violation is a $75
administrative fee and a cleanup fee.
And then a third violation is once again
the administrative fee and the $175
cleanup fee. And the fourth and
subsequent violations within 12 months,
$75 administrative fee and a total
cleanup fee of $275. So, the idea is
that
there's a cost to the city. The city's
trying to recoup its costs, but also the
just going out there it will be $75.
Any unpaid fees, penalties incurred in
connection with the enforcement or
mediation shall constitute a lien on the
property may be collected in the same
manner as real property taxes or any
other means authorized by law. In other
words, some other parts of the code
allow for liens for cleanup to be
assessed to the property.
Um and that that's paid as a tax as a
fee.
Um and if and it's a lien. In other
words, when they try to sell the
property, the city has to be made whole.
And then there's the administrative
fee which is in 161-26D.
Um that's the administrative fee which I
indicated
earlier.
And then in addition to any fines and
new penalties imposed, the city may
abate any violation or condition
constituting a public nuisance nuisance
or health hazard. This is new section E.
All costs associated connection with
such abatement include by not limited to
labor, equipment, disposal,
administrative costs shall be charged to
the property owner. Such costs will
constitute a lien upon the property and
may be collected
in the same manner as the real property
taxes and civil action.
These sections were put together by the
folks who deal with it on a daily basis.
Mr.
Lafond and and and Mr. London.
And their crews deal with these these
issue on a daily basis dealing with
those properties that
are
non-compliant. Once again, the bracketed
in you know, the the bracketed language
B and C
they're re-re-re-re
rephrased
regarding the
continuing violation and then C was
dealing with the $50 administrative fee.
Section F is renumbered. This is
something the council approved last year
or the year before making any the
depositing or placement of collection of
solid waste not generated within the
city of Schenectady as an unclassified
misdemeanor punishable by a fine not
exceeding $1,000 and/or imprisonment for
a period exceeding 180 not exceeding 180
days.
That was put into the code of a couple
of years ago. It's just re-lettered in
this new section.
And then
Article 2, as Mr. London explained, you
know, our you know, Chapter 161 is
rather large. So, we have to go into
other sections that deal with some of
the material uh
items that we just dealt with. Once
again, 161-4H
is dealing with garbage and recyclable
rubbish placed in containers with lids
at the curb and no less than 10 gallons
and no more than 45 gallons.
And then penalties for property owners
and occupants.
Um this is where we get into the grace
period. Whether the the council wants to
institute a grace period regarding the
enforcement of this
um when we did this last time there was
an a grace period from January 1, 2025
to an enforcement period of April 1st of
last year.
That that language is bracketed because
if you want to put a new grace period in
that language, but I don't know what you
want to put in a grace period in.
So, um I I note that in the my notes in
the the bottom of 161-24N
that new time periods for public
education and commencement of
enforcement need to be set. Those are
the old those are the old dates from
last year.
And then
that's um that continues with that
section. Note the effective date can be
set for a time period after other
adoption. This ordi- ordinance can take
effect immediately or if you want to put
in a 100 day 120 days after adoption to
give once again a period of of a grace
period in in for in enforcement
education, etc.
So,
that's the summary.
SparkNotes, appreciate it.
Mr. Brian, I apologize I didn't call you
Mr. Brown earlier. I don't know where
that came from. I appreciate you
answering me and I called you the wrong
name.
Hearing all of the information that was
just brought before you, comments,
questions, concerns, thoughts?
I know um I have one that I know that
Council member Wiggins had brought up
prior. Is there something that we're looking to adopt or change to
allow under penalties and fees to make
sure that we are not penalizing people
during snow storms, during heavy weather
times, or ever changing our our
sanitation code as now
to make sure that we're not
just giving people violations at $150 a
clip
during those time frames.
Say the deep deep sets of December.
I'll you know, I'll let the commissioner
speak to those to that point directly. I
mean, certainly the commissioner has
authority has has made promulgate right
under the existing authority that he has
under 161-21
um
C of 161, the commissioner may
promulgate regulations covering the
items of collection of solid waste and
fees charged for therefore and such
other matters pertaining to public
collection and disposal of solid waste.
So,
he has the the commissioner has
authority under there to waive during
certain time periods. So, I mean, it's
you never know. You you
um
But we can always put something in more
in the ordinance. Mr. Mr. Chairman,
that
as we try and cover everything, the
lawyers have gone over and analyzed it,
I would have
still expect the staff in the field to
use common sense.
You know, so that
I mean, they can't cover every
possible scenario
out there, but we would hope and
direct the staff to again use those
parameters of common sense so that it
works for people, it makes sense, and it
serves the needs of the people. Tell
staff we solve problems, we don't create
them.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Are there any comments, questions,
concerns?
Mr.
Yeah, Mr. Chairman, this is this is as
you know as you know you're on a tight
schedule regarding you know, regarding
June 14th. At this point, you can call
for a public hearing which would be on
May 26th.
You have one more between now and then.
You do have one more
second committee cycle to you know, to
mark up any changes or anything. And
they as long as it's marked up and
changed at least a week before the
public hearing, that gives the public
enough
information to see what what changes. And obviously
this has been posted already on the
agenda for tonight's meeting, so the
public is aware of
for forthcoming coming changes. And if
you want to mark this up at the next
committee cycle, you can do so and it
will be posted you know, after you it's
voted out of committee. But at this
point because of the cycle, I recommend
that you call for a public hearing on
the proposed ordinance amendments for
May 26th. Absolutely. Uh Council member
I did have three questions. The first of
which, definitely thank you for that
synopsis, Mr. Brian.
Um with regards to stickers that are
already in circulation, Mr. Lafond or
Mayor, do you have any do you have any
comments? I just talked with a few
residents and I was I paid money for
these items to throw them away. I think
it's disingenuous. Is there a way we can
consider honoring those moving forward?
All right now.
Thank you. With the sticker
program suspended,
people are putting that bulky items out
that we're taking. It doesn't matter if
there's one of them, two items, or three
items.
It's suspended. So, if they have bulky
items right now, we're taking it. Um
So, if you
put the sticker program back and you had
stickers,
um
I think they got rid of their stuff
already.
If it was if it was in the law in the
last last couple weeks, it it went out
over the last you know, over the grace
period we gave them. A lot of the bulky
items we took a lot of the bulky items
out.
But that's a decision of you. If you
want me to say if you got three if you
got four stickers you put it out. How
you want to do it is up to you. But I
think most people probably, you know,
put up their bulk items already.
Answer your question, Councilman
Or if I was to say someone is holding
them, just because they love them as a
nostalgic heir item,
when we do transition to this restricted
program, could we put in place language
that says you can use your stickers in
excess of what is currently allowed?
I don't see why not.
Uh we just wouldn't we wouldn't sell any
additional stickers. That's great.
Cuz if they're holding them, they got
rid of the free stuff, now holding it so
we put the sticker program. And they
spent money on that. So they did spend
the the $5 per sticker. So we would
just, you know, uh discontinue the sale
of the stickers. And if they were on
there, they would use them all.
Perfect. Thank you. Um the second uh
question was uh along the lines of this
our winter climate months. Um
individuals definitely have mobility
issues. Then also houses, based on how
snow falls off your roof, you might not
be able to put your trash can where you
normally keep it, especially if we're
making that a condition of this.
Uh is it appropriate to then consider
people or households being able to put
their trash cans in front of their
houses during the winter months?
In front versus On the side.
>> side. So I know that people have
received violations. It's random
violations if your trash can is on the
side of the road. If there's rain, like
we've had that. I know that from people
talking to me and elders in the
community. Is there a way to make sure
that if I'm correct in my
to make sure we're not giving those
violations or fees to people have to put
them on the side of their porch or on
the side where they can easily access it
to roll out.
Well, I think like that the mayor said
that, you know, we have to use common
sense. So if there's a pending snow
storm somebody has their can a couple
days before in the front, common sense.
But if it's there
continuously and constantly,
you know,
then again, you know, the city code does
state that they have to be out of sight
in the backyard, not on the side. Except
if you're living in a corner lot, they
can be visible because it's a corner
lot. But again,
you know, if there's 2 ft of snow
coming, they took their
trash cans on the porch cuz they don't
want to shovel it out.
I think we got more important things to
do during a snowstorm than to look at a
trash can that's, you know, by the front
of the house. But again, you know, it's
during what we'll call severe storm
events, not on a regular basis. And
again, it's it's good judgment or it's
common sense that we have to use overall
there.
My problem is to say common sense isn't
always common. So we want to make sure
we cover our bases as well, right?
Any further question, Councilman Jones?
And the third question, definitely in
the spirit of Mr. Mulveyhill, since he's
not here, my only question is with those
violations, I appreciate including an
elevated administrative fee. Can you
speak to your level of confidence that
this is going to make a difference in
impeding these types of behaviors from
continuing? Someone saying, "I'm just
going to keep putting these I'm going to
keep putting my trash out and I'll pay
the fee because the fee means nothing."
I think that
well, as it states now, the $50 fee is
just a small price to pay if you're
going to put a whole bunch of garbage
out there. It has successfully because
the ones that are taking advantage of it
are going to continue to do it because
it's still cost effective to just put it
out and pay $50. Pay $75. So escalating
is, you know, after after the fourth, I
don't know what we do after you get to
that point. Just, you know,
Well, it's kind of
as Mr. Chairman and and
Council President, it's going to act as
a lien. This language has a lien on the
property as a as a, you know, it's this these costs will be assessed
to the property where you if they don't
you have to pay your property taxes
obviously. If you don't pay your
property taxes,
we go through foreclosure or if the
house is going to be sold at some point,
those liens will have to be cleared up
before that individual can sell the
property.
Thank you.
Any comments, questions, concerns?
The recommendation on the table is to
move this to public hearing for May
26th.
Do I have a motion to do such? So moved.
Second. It has been moved and properly
seconded. All those in favor? Aye. Aye.
Does
And the last item for government
operations, do I have a motion to close
out the meeting on government
operations? Um Mr. uh Chairman and Mr.
Council President, I know that you asked
for a report for the city finance
report. Do you want to have that tonight
or do you want to put that off?
Councilman Jones. So I was actually
considering that, definitely in the
spirit of how we started the meeting.
There was a lot of jockeying along the
schedule. Thank you to the community and
everyone in the room for being patient.
Um
having the time to reassess. I think now
with
Councilman Ingram in the room, we can
proceed with city development planning.
Um
my only hesitancy with including the
conversation around the first quarter
report, I appreciate being here, Mr.
Mulveyhill. It's
two of our other senior experienced
councilmembers are not present for that.
So rather than you having to repeat that
again, I would ask for your just grace
if we can push that off for 2 months. 2
weeks. 2 weeks. 2 weeks.
>> [laughter]
>> 2 weeks. Excuse me. I would appreciate
that.
Thank you, sir.
Um so do you close all of the same
meetings?
Mr. Bradley, do you have any No,
nothing. I was just a housekeeper today.
So at this time, I'll take a entertain a
motion to close government operations.
So moved.
It has been moved and properly seconded.
All those in favor? Aye. Aye.
Government operations is now closed. So
I'd like to call to order city
development and planning. We previously
had nine items, two of which were
discussing government operations. That
was now seven remaining. The first of
which is going to be the appointments to
this civilian police review board. Um
Mr. Mayor, if you don't mind, um
we had a conversation earlier today
uh regarding one of the individuals that
was taking a
seat with the NAACP. After ongoing
conversations and trying to make some
considerations
uh moving forward,
uh that is a uh consideration that we're
going to withhold for tonight.
Um
it is then
my expectation to move the other
remaining two individuals.
And Mr. Mayor, if I can just confirm,
there are appointments for
Excuse me.
the NAACP,
the Sycamore Collaborative,
and the Human Rights Commission that you
are currently in possession of.
Correct. In the next cycle, I'll send
you a letter making those
recommendations. Appreciate that, sir.
Um so with the exclusion of uh Hillary
Sneer, I would entertain a motion to
move those two remaining uh nominations
forward. Do it the next cycle.
But those letters we already have.
Oh, the ones you have, yes, you can move
forward on those.
Thank you.
Who was the third you said? NAACP,
Sycamore and
Uh
Councilman Jones, it was NAACP, Sycamore
Collaborative, and the Human Rights
Commission.
And you will move all three of those in
the next cycle. Uh the mayor is going to
provide Mr. Chairman, excuse me.
Mayor McCarthy, you're good with
providing all three of those in the next
cycle. Is that the statement you made?
For recommendation for NAACP, Sycamore,
and Human Rights. I'm not sure which
letter you should have to
Mr. Mr. Council President, you what Mr.
Mayor has is
the what's before you right now is the
reps for the Housing Authority
and the
and and the League of Women Voters.
Correct. Okay. Those are the ones that
are actionable tonight.
Thank you, Mr. Bradley.
Uh any further questions or concerns?
I'll entertain a motion. Uh so just to
confirm, we're moving forward with the
League of Women Voters and the Municipal
Housing Authority. And then in 2 weeks
we'll have back Sycamore Collaborative,
the NAACP, and Human Rights Commission. Human
Rights Commission. Okay. I will move
that.
I will second. All those in favor? Aye.
Thank you.
The next item is going to be a
discussion about the Becker Street trial
stop sign. Sincerely, as we previously
heard from the King's Road
um and Woodlawn community, I think there
was initially hesitation with proceeding
with a temporary stop sign at that
location.
Um
I know Mr. Wallen was very very uh
analytical with understanding the
traffic study and also making sure we're
not uh
prematurely installing these resources
just due to
the
uh precedence that this can provide. But
I think in lieu of us having the ability
to put in place speed tables throughout
the community, I think it is appropriate
to continue entertaining these as I've
had conversations with members of the
Woodlawn community that that stop sign
has been very beneficial to them in that
area. Not perfect, but better. And I
think that's what we're striving for as
a municipality.
Uh so with Becker Street, um
had a conversation with Mr. Wallen.
Would love to hear his recommendation
for that area. If you're all not
familiar with that, uh there is two
intersections, so two two stop lights.
However, there is an extended gap from
Elm Street to Snow Road. And
essentially, we hear throughout the city
of there being drag strip or drag light
areas. Wanted to put in place a stop
sign at the recommendation of our chief
engineer to uh to
potentially provide a deterrent from
people getting up to excessive speeds.
And what I'd like to say before turning
over the table to to you, sir, is
this is not a corrective measure that
foregoes any involvement and input from
the community. At King's Road, there is
absolutely conversations with our
traffic division, um Lieutenant Dolan,
who's very responsive. Uh so this is not
the perfect solution. This is just a
better solution, a better option moving
forward.
Um Mr. Wallen.
Thank you.
Yep.
So I was asked to look at Becker Street
for the installation of a stop sign for
speed control, which is not recommended,
but recommended by the PD. So, we will
look at it. It is 1,550 ft from the last
signal to the bend at and Snowden.
We have several streets that are in the
middle of that area including Hague,
Robinson, and Elder. I would guess that
those three would be the streets that we
would look at given that they're
centrally located on the strip. And I
have not had time to work with
Lieutenant Dolman on this. However, I'm
going to have to pull some information
to see what accidents if any have been
occurring and then also look at the one
ways to see which way streets are going
to just maximize
the efficiencies of the stop sign
in that location.
Because
I I didn't put on my sketch in a rough
sketch of what what ways everything is
going. But I'd like to hear from the the
police about this corridor or so. I'll
try to get some information about what we're looking at, I guess.
Um
I didn't know that is
President Williams, are we on board with
the installation? I thought there was a
discussion about the installation of So,
that's what I was here for. If we're on
board and everyone wants to move forward
with the installation, then I I will
forward with a study to pick a location
and then come to you with the location.
Thank you. I mean, I'm definitely
functioning with a amended council at
the moment. Although I value each of
your company
uh each of your contributions.
Definitely to that point and seeing that
there is an entertainment. This was
something we considered with the last um
format of the council.
It's not a late consideration, but it's
something that has been able to
settle just some angst with people
questioning whether we're making any
intentionality with speeding throughout
the city.
Um
not preferred, but it's an option.
Um Mr. Warner, I think I would like to
see more of your analysis. I don't know
if I'm supportive of it yet just based
on like you said talking with PD,
talking with the neighborhood, looking
at the one ways, and seeing if it would
be something that would work. Like you
said in the beginning,
stop signs are not a correct measure for
speeding. So,
um
I think that it's definitely something
that should be taken into account, too.
We shouldn't just put stop signs up if
we're trying to stop speeders.
Councilman Chairs, and you said you had
your analysis prepared for this evening.
Is that what you Is that what you were
saying? That you had an analysis
prepared for that earlier this evening?
No. No. No. No. I was I was under the
impression that this was going to be a
discussion if the council wanted to move
forward with conducting an analysis for
this area. Um The The only The only
conversation I had a brief conversation
with Mr. Williams about this coming on
the agenda about this location, but
I you know, I typically don't move
forward with just one
>> [snorts]
>> council person's recommendation to make
an action. So, I thought this was going
to be a discussion about if yourselves
and your other members would like to
move forward in this regard.
>> If they choose to move forward on the
city's development and planning
committee with this, would you be able
to provide your personal recommendation
for it as well as your time is under you
that would be a corrective manner if the
stop sign is not the way to go.
Uh another measure you're talking about?
>> Yes. Would you be willing to include a
recommendation when you do this
analysis, but also a recommendation if
you feel that area would benefit from
something else outside of the traffic
stop sign. Sure.
Uh Councilman Councilwoman Wiggins, uh
any comments? Sorry to put you on the
spot, but I'm just gauging where the
council currently stands with regards to
implementing stop signs.
I know stop signs is not going to help
speeding, but we have also have to think
about our children. Summertime is coming
and um
summertime with the bikes and everything
is crucial. So, I'm I'm for a stop sign.
And then just for clarification, this is
getting additional information. So, I
know Councilman Inger wanted to see some
more of that statistical findings and
definitely I would be open to hearing
from the police department as well. Um
I can reach out to our
absent council members to see where they
currently stand and give you an update
on that as well, Mr. Warner. Thank you.
Um
going forward with the the budget, I
would recommend that um a line item be
added for studies such as these.
Um my real recommendation would be to
study Becker as a corridor
from Brandywine all the way to Snowden.
If you all
recall, we did remove a light
at Brandywine and Becker. That light was
um
there for a school that no longer
existed. We replaced it with a rapid
flashing beacon by our signals
department, which is more appropriate
for that location. I feel that a
corridor study might have the same fate
for Elm,
which
also has a signal that seems to be a lot
of place in the neighborhood. And
putting a stop sign after a corridor
with that many signals might be a little
confusing.
So,
I don't know what
my budget will allow me to look at for
this corridor as you get bigger, but I
will see if we can do something there
because
I might I think it's worth looking at
from start to end and not specifically
just in the middle.
Thank you.
Any other questions or comments?
Uh so, we'll have this back in 2 weeks
and you give me
two cycles?
One month? Yeah.
I know you guys have been doing a lot of
this this time
>> Yeah.
this is
I'm going to need to meet with someone
about
uh this park.
On site just to see where the area is.
So, I'll reach out and then
I'll reach out to you to set that up.
Perfect. Thank you, Mr. Warner. All
right. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Warner.
The remaining five items need to be
discussed in the executive session.
Correct, Mr. O'Brien? Yes, they
generally with ongoing litigation and the sale of
city property.
Uh hearing session, I have a motion to
enter [music] executive session. So
moved, sir.
Administrative efficiency?
Mr. Begin?
And set that aside before we go into
executive.
Uh
Jason doesn't have anything for me.
Uh
So, I will hold that motion.
And we can move that item from
administrative efficiency and to city
development and planning. So, it will be
agenda item number one for
administrative efficiency, the city road
closure forms and access.
Um Mr. Chairs.
Um so, this would be
So, that was created to allow us to
begin the process of more digitalizing
the current forms that we have and also
making it
a more accessible and more um
specific fee structure concept when it
comes to our road closures and planning
for parades, block parties, and items of
that. Currently, that form sits at
almost about 20 sheets. I believe that
there's a way that we can condense that
sheet while still getting the
information that we need to all of the
respective parties from BMT, fire, and
police while creating less paperwork for
our city staffers and making sure that
there's an access point for all four
parties prime parties and any other
essential that needs to be added
onto it. Um having a 20-page packet, I
think
limits and creates unnecessary paperwork
for our city staff and unnecessary
expenditures from just buying paper
alone.
Thank you. Any questions or comments?
Councilman Inger. Uh I'm definitely
supportive of this. I think that
I'm a big believer in going into
technology. So, I know
I agree with you, Mr. Chairs, that we
need to go away from 20 pages. I would
like to see
um
how [snorts] we would go with this, you
know, work with the specific departments
that um
are included in this packet and then go
forward with a centralized digital
system like you're talking about. So, I
appreciate you bringing this forward.
Thank you, sir.
Thank you. Um Mr. Mayor and Mr. O'Brien,
um regarding that, can we simply or can
Councilman Chairs just provide you a draft analysis? I know part of it is
ensuring that it it is It's the way it
works for me. I'm going to use that
form. If If you let me finish, so my
comment I was going to say it all in the
background. Right. Mr. Chairs, one
moment. So, my comment was going to be
with regards to the fire department and
police department. I know those forms
have very um
uh
important fields that can't be removed.
I think the mayor wants us to present it
as how can we reduce some of the
redundancy in the other departments. So,
uh I think you're saying
We spent a lot of time on that in the
actual collection of that information is
appropriate. There are some applications
that don't have to use the full packet
of forms that are really simple,
straightforward. There's other
components that are needed to
appropriately assess costs and do risk
assessment for events that may be
happening in the city of Schenectady.
Thank you for your your comment, Mayor.
I agree with you. I think that that is
extremely important that we have certain
parts in that's why I made sure to take
very good care inside the LR as well as
the other legislation I sent over to Mr.
O'Brien and Mr. O'Brien when it came to
incorporating the new hire panel into
our code to make sure that your
operations doesn't get superseded in any
way. I would like to graciously disagree
with you that there is a way to be more
accessible, making sure that everyone
still has all of the information they
need so that you have what you need. It
is not straightforward as I've heard
from multiple city members across the
world that this information built to us
who constantly practice and work inside
legislation look at it every single day
may say 20 pages is is quick to look at
and I can write through it myself. I
know that a lot of organizations have
struggled with trying to work through
and access what the fees are going to
be. It's not properly bracketed, it
doesn't have a set structure fee based
on the organization or size, which would
make your paperwork at least two pages
lighter just by creating a fee. And it
will also allow you to estimate how much
money you're going to bring in per
capita per year and just the average
block party that gets thrown. So, you
could almost time your watch to the
money that you want to be bringing the
city.
And if I can add to that point, I think
sincerely is a conversation piece where
you have sitting council members able to
help. Definitely recognize that we do
not see everything, but hearing
continuously year in year out this
process almost disincentivizes people to
go about it the right way due to the
amount of administrative just loopholes.
I can recognize that that has been a
transition into a better process
internally, um but much of the
conversation we had regarding
conversations associated with
the interview process for council
members.
It is ongoing. So, the road to progress
is not a destination, it is a journey.
So, I think the spirit of this is how do
we continue to build upon the
accomplishments to get to more of those
technological assists that Councilman
Ingram highlighted.
And I that is something I can be in
favor of. Uh so, Councilman chairs
uh the expectation is that you will
present a draft packet for plan that
will be considered by the mayor and then
corporation council ensuring that that
is received in the spirit not reducing
unnecessary or reducing necessary fees
to ensure that's in compliance with the
ordinance.
And I'd like to go on record by saying,
I know the effort that you put in as
talking to our former Chief Moreno as
well as Chief Clifford prior sitting on
so many different panels inside the
city. I know that you didn't come to
those sheets lightly working in it. So,
I don't want to denigrate anyone's
efforts inside of your office that put
that together, but I do look forward to
working with you and your office in
making this efficient.
Perfect.
Expectation you have this back in 2
weeks?
>> 2 weeks. Sounds good.
Um all other remaining items will need
to be discussed in executive session. Do
we have a motion to enter executive
session? So I'll second. All those in
favor? Aye. We are in executive session,
members of the public will have to
leave.
» [music]