CITY OFFICIALS. Minutes Common Council Meeting 11/27/18

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1 MINUTES FOR A REGULAR MEETING OF THE GLOVERSVILLE COMMON COUNCIL TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, :00PM; COUNCIL CHAMBERS Mayor Dayton J. King - Presiding Councilman-At-Large - Vincent DeSantis - present Ward 1 - Marcia Weiss - present Ward 2 - Arthur Simonds - present Ward 3 - Elizabeth Batchelor - present Ward 4 - Steven Smith - present Ward 5 - Jay Zarrelli - present Ward 6 - Wrandy Siarkowski - present Department Heads Present: City Assessor Joni Dennie, City Attorney Anthony Casale, City Clerk Jennifer Mazur, Commissioner of Finance Tammie Weiterschan, DPW Director Dale Trumbull, Police Chief Marc Porter, Transit Mobility Manager Brent Warren Department Heads Absent: Fire Chief Thomas Groff CITY OFFICIALS Mayor King called the meeting to order at 6:00PM. COUNCIL ROLL CALL VIA THE CLERK PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE FOLLOWED BY A MOMENT OF SILENCE 7 PRESENT MAYOR DAYTON J. KING Mayor King stated that he would like to give his condolences to the family of State Trooper Jeremy VanNostrand who passed away this morning. He added that this does hit close to home especially with the members of law enforcement and emergency services. Mayor King stated that it is a tragic loss for our community. PUBLIC SESSION Mayor King advised: Members of the public wishing to address Council regarding any agenda item or other city business will be permitted to speak for a maximum of three (3) minutes. Please do not direct remarks or questions directly to any specific Council member, city official, or presiding officer, as there is no exchange of dialogue during this portion of the meeting. Personally offensive, abusive, slanderous, or boisterous remarks will not be allowed. Mayor King opened the Public Session at 6:01PM. Charles Potter of 82 West Pine Street stated that he spoke before the Common Council a few months ago regarding Railfest 2019 and would like to revisit this discussion. He added that he would like council to pass a non-binding resolution showing support which would allow him to set a firm date for the event. Mr. Potter stated that he would like to work with the Railfest committee which he has met with over the past few months and is asking tonight for direction from the council that he can report back to the committee. He added that he would like to keep the momentum of Fulton County Positive going in the city. 1

2 Motion made by Councilman-At-Large DeSantis to waive the rules allowing discussion; seconded by Councilman Smith. Councilman Smith stated that he spoke with Mr. Potter at the library s grand opening and he could not imagine that the council would not be in favor of having Railfest and doing what needs to be done to support this event. Councilman-At-Large DeSantis asked if there was still the possibility of grant funding. Mr. Potter stated that the timing has come and gone for the Saratoga Arts grant but would move forward with that for future events. He added that the Fulton County Occupancy Tax fees are to be used towards economic development or tourism needs and Railfest would fit into that category. Councilwoman Batchelor asked if the event was supposed to be grant funded and now it cannot be, what would be the plan for the cost moving forward. Mr. Potter stated that the grant was only for musical acts and the committee would raise money for the event. He noted that whatever revenue is left over after paying all costs is donated to a non-profit organization of the committee s choice. Mr. Potter stated that he does have an organization in mind to receive the donation but will work with the committee on that decision. He added that receiving a grant would have only been a benefit and they will work hard towards raising funds for the event. Councilman Siarkowski asked if there is a calendar of events for next year to figure out the best date to hold this. Mr. Potter stated that the committee has discussed moving the event out of the summer and holding it on the second Saturday in September. He noted that they believe after the rush of summer would be a better fit. Councilwoman Weiss asked if he has checked to see if this conflicts with Bacon Jam. Mr. Potter stated that he has not, and this is a flexible date at this time. He added that he would ensure that it does not run concurrent with other events. He added that he is looking into musical acts such as Sawyer Fredericks, Skeeter Creek, Vinny Michaels Band and has not ruled out Dierks Bentley. Mr. Potter stated that he is still interested in having events at Railfest such as a dog beauty contest and an Amazing Race scavenger hunt. He added that he would be able to work out those details with the City Clerk. Councilwoman Batchelor asked what he would like to see from council at this time. Mr. Potter stated that he would like to see the city cover the event under their insurance as they have done in the past. He added that he would like to get the logistics worked out as soon as possible to move forward with planning. Mr. Potter stated that a lot of grants require a lead municipality to apply and he would like a letter from the city showing they are on board. Councilwoman Batchelor asked if this would be held at Trail Station Park. Mr. Potter confirmed that it would be and would like to see thousands of people attending with the bandstand on the Caboose s side of the road. 2

3 Mayor King stated that the city was ready to help last year but the committee was unable to move forward. He asked if this will be more organized this year and if they will have the volunteers needed. Mr. Potter stated that they have a core group of four or five people on the committee and as many volunteers as they can get would be great. Mayor King asked if anyone interested in volunteering would reach out to him. Mr. Potter stated that would be fine and he is excited to see this come back for the city. Mayor King stated that Mr. Potter should continue working with City Clerk Mazur as she will have new recreation duties next year. Mr. Potter stated that he would like to see a non-binding resolution passed in the event that there were any grants that they could apply for. Mayor King stated that no one is objecting tonight and City Attorney Casale could draft something formally for the next meeting. Mr. Potter stated that the temporary date of the event would be September 7, 2019 pending any other large events that may be scheduled on that day. City Attorney Casale stated that he can prepare the resolution. Motion made by Councilman Siarkowski to put the rules back in order; seconded by Councilman Simonds. No one else chose to speak and Mayor King closed the Public Session at 6:15PM. PUBLIC HEARING Mayor King opened the Public Hearing related to the modification of Section of the Gloversville City Code regarding modification of M and C zone for the district located from Frontage Road to Spring Street, to Bleecker Street, to Church Street at 6:15PM. No one chose to speak, and Mayor King closed the Public Hearing at 6:15PM. PUBLIC HEARING Mayor King opened the Public Hearing related to the modification of Section of the Gloversville City Code removing boarding houses and adult entertainment from C Commercial zones at 6:16PM. No one chose to speak, and Mayor King closed the Public Hearing at 6:16PM. PUBLIC HEARING Mayor King opened the Public Hearing related to the adoption of the Downtown Development Strategy at 6:16PM. No one chose to speak, and Mayor King closed the Public Hearing at 6:16PM. 3

4 PUBLIC HEARING Minutes Common Council Meeting 11/27/18 Mayor King opened the Public Hearing related to the modification of Section of the Gloversville City Code pertaining to parking provisions on Burlington Avenue, Cedar Street and Helwig Street at 6:16PM. Charles Hagelgans, of 72 Helwig Street, stated that he would like to thank council for revisiting this issue and stated that he is still in support of removing the new parking restrictions on Helwig Street. He added that one of his neighbors has a handicapped reserved spot which presents a conflict with the new laws. No one else chose to speak, and Mayor King closed the Public Hearing at 6:17PM. PUBLIC HEARING Mayor King opened the Public Hearing modification of Section of the Gloversville City Code pertaining to parking provisions on First Avenue, Fremont Street, North Street, Western Boulevard and Summer Street at 6:17PM. No one chose to speak, and Mayor King closed the Public Hearing at 6:17PM. AUDIT COUNCILWOMAN WEISS Councilman-At-Large DeSantis and Councilwoman Weiss performed the November 20, 2018 audit covering the period of October 18, 2018 through November 20, The following was reported: Checks Processed During the Audit Period A-General Fund $ 1,478, G-Sewer Fund $ 290, H-Capital Projects Fund $ 102, T Trust & Agency Fund $ 563, TOTAL $ 2,434, Checks to be Processed after Council Approval of Audit A-General Fund $ 121, G-Sewer Fund $ 0.00 H-Capital Projects Fund $ 0.00 T- Trust & Agency Fund $ 0.00 TOTAL $ 121, Motion made by Councilman Siarkowski to approve the audit; seconded by Councilman Simonds. COMMUNICATION FROM MAYOR & OTHER CITY OFFICIALS Fourth Ward Councilman Steven Smith Councilman Smith stated that he would like to discuss the received from Ed Newberry, the owner of the former Continental Mills on Beaver Street. He added that Mr. Newberry is offering to do a complimentary engineering study for the city on his property. Councilman Smith stated that DPW Director Trumbull is working with the engineering firm that is doing a study on the concept of an all new DPW building but it is possible that Mr. Newberry s buildings could work well for what is needed. He added that Mr. Newberry was interested in having a resolution passed stating that they are in favor of entertaining the idea of the Beaver Street buildings, but he believes that is more formal than needed. Councilman Smith stated that he wanted to be on the record 4

5 stating that they would entertain the proposal once the study is complete, not that it would be the property selected. He added that this will ensure Mr. Newberry that his proposal will at least be considered. DPW Director Trumbull stated that some of the buildings on Beaver Street would need to be torn down to make room for parking and storage. He added that this area would not be in floodplain and he would be interested in seeing the proposal but there would be modifications needed to make it useful for DPW. Councilman Smith stated that Mr. Newberry hired him in the summer to do a study of the existing conditions on these buildings and developers would have no idea what, in terms of square footage or construction, is involved with the Beaver Street buildings. He added that Mr. Newberry asked him to be the conduit between Greenman- Pedersen, council and himself. Councilwoman Batchelor stated that she is excited about his proposal as it would potentially get rid of a large blight issue and could be a less expensive option for DPW. Councilman-At-Large DeSantis asked if Greenman-Pedersen would develop something and then present it to council to see which option would be more desirable for a DPW building. Councilman Smith stated that at the end they will have two studies of vastly different alternatives and he would suggest council choose one of the two options and send that out to RFP as the site chosen for a building. He added that they are not making a representation that they will take on the Beaver Street project, only that they will entertain the possibility if it appears to be a better deal. City Attorney Anthony Casale City Attorney Casale stated that he would like to go through the streets with parking conflicts one by one that were covered in the public hearings held earlier this evening to decide on the parking issues. The following decisions were made for modifications under : First Avenue legislation passed in May to remain in place and eliminate any conflicting prior ordinances. Fremont Street from Main Street to East Fulton Street, no parking on either side with the rest of the street keeping the May legislation in place. North Street legislation passed in May to remain in place and eliminate any conflicting prior ordinances. Western Boulevard legislation passed in May to remain in place and eliminate any conflicting prior ordinances. Summer Street legislation passed in May to remain in place and eliminate any conflicting prior ordinances. The following decisions were made for modifications under : Helwig Street, Cedar Street and Burlington Avenue remove May legislation in its entirety, reverting back to prior ordinances. Councilman Smith asked if handicapped parking spots could override the general rules for parking. City Attorney Casale stated that he could clarify that seasonal parking changes would not include any authorized handicapped parking spots. Councilwoman Batchelor asked if there is only the one handicapped parking spot that would be a concern. 5

6 Police Chief Porter stated that he does have a listing of all handicapped spots and he would assume there would be an increase based on the streets listed. City Attorney Casale stated that the streets they just discussed for change will not need an additional public hearing, but he will research and see if an additional section of the code will need modifications pertaining to the handicapped parking spots. Councilman Simonds stated that City Clerk Mazur could look into the handicapped parking space listing for conflicting ordinances. Councilman Smith stated that the pickup area for Harold s has been changed to no parking with the May legislation and they have asked for some relief because it is less convenient for their patrons. Councilman Smith suggested a fifteen-minute parking zone for this area. City Attorney Casale asked if this is on the even side of the street that they are discussing now. Councilman-At-Large DeSantis confirmed that it is. Councilwoman Batchelor stated that she believes this would defeat the purpose of having the new ordinances in place. Councilman Siarkowski stated that they cannot think of it that way or else there would be no rules in place. City Attorney Casale asked if there is a section of the code pertaining to fifteen-minute parking. City Clerk Mazur stated this is under section City Attorney Casale stated that they could designate a certain number of feet on the even side of Western Boulevard to allow fifteen-minute parking and the rest would remain no parking at any time. He asked for a motion to schedule this public hearing and noted that there would be three ordinances at the work session to ratify pertaining to parking. Motion made by Councilman Simonds to schedule a public hearing modifying section of the Gloversville City Code; seconded by Councilman Siarkowski. Carried 7 Ayes 0 Nays DPW Director Dale Trumbull DPW Director Trumbull stated that three proposals were received from the spray park RFP and one was significantly lower than the other two. He added that all three seemed highly qualified and cannot say exactly why one was so much lower than the others. DPW Director Trumbull stated that the lowest bidder s budget also included the cost of the SEQR review. Councilwoman Batchelor asked DPW Director Trumbull if he had a chance to check references. DPW Director Trumbull stated that he has not. Councilman-At-Large DeSantis suggested they check the references of the lowest bidder and if those come back positive, there would be no reason to not move forward with that company. 6

7 DPW Director Trumbull stated that he will call the references and follow up with council afterwards. City Attorney Anthony Casale City Attorney Casale stated that he would like to clarify that the emergency resolution that will be voted on tonight, partially modifies a previous resolution but does not rescind any legislation. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES 10/23/2018 Council Meeting 11/13/2018 Work Session Meeting 11/15/2018 Special Meeting Motion made by Councilman Siarkowski to approve all minutes; seconded by Councilwoman Weiss. Carried 7 Ayes 0 Nays LEGISLATION Intro ER-1 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE GLOVERSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PURCHASE A 2018 FORD EXPLORER SUV Motion made by Councilman Siarkowski; seconded by Councilman Simonds Councilman Smith asked what happened with the original vehicle. Police Chief Porter stated that on October 25, the Police Department was advised that the SUV would no longer be available due to the ordering process with Ford. He added that they were given the opportunity to purchase a 2020 hybrid model but that would not happen until May of 2019 and the pricing would not be honored. Police Chief Porter stated that Lieutenant Shang worked with the Office of General Services and received final approval today for the 2018 vehicle. He added that the vehicle is new and is $1,000 cheaper than the original vehicle sought. Intro R-1 RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE 2019 ANNUAL BUDGET Motion made by Councilwoman Weiss; seconded by Councilman Smith Roll Call Vote: Voting Aye: Councilman-At-Large DeSantis, Councilman Siarkowski, Councilman Simonds, Councilman Smith, Councilwoman Weiss, Councilman Zarrelli, Councilwoman Batchelor Voting Nay: Recused: Absent: Intro R-2 RESOLUTION TO SET THE 2019 TAX RATE Motion made by Councilman Siarkowski; seconded by Councilman Simonds Mayor King stated that 2019 would be the first year in a very long time where the tax rate will be set under $20.00 per thousand. 7

8 Roll Call Vote: Voting Aye: Councilman Siarkowski, Councilman Simonds, Councilman Smith, Councilwoman Weiss, Councilman Zarrelli, Councilwoman Batchelor, Councilman-At-Large DeSantis Voting Nay: Recused: Absent: Intro R-3 RESOLUTION APPROVING A TAX WARRANT FOR THE YEAR 2019 AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE SAID WARRANT Motion made by Councilman Zarrelli; seconded by Councilman Simonds Roll Call Vote: Voting Aye: Councilman Simonds, Councilman Smith, Councilwoman Weiss, Councilman Zarrelli, Councilwoman Batchelor, Councilman-At-Large DeSantis, Councilman Siarkowski Voting Nay: Recused: Absent: Intro R-4 RESOLUTION DELEGATING TO THE COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE OF THE CITY OF GLOVERSVILLE, FULTON COUNTY, NEW YORK, THE POWER TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF AND TO SELL, NOT EXCEEDING $700,000.00, TAX ANTICIPATION NOTES OF SAID CITY IN ANTICIPATION OF THE COLLECTION OF TAXES LEVIED OR TO BE LEVIED FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OF SAID CITY COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2019 Motion made by Councilman Siarkowski; seconded by Councilman Simonds Roll Call Vote: Voting Aye: Councilman Smith, Councilwoman Weiss, Councilman Zarrelli, Councilwoman Batchelor, Councilman-At-Large DeSantis, Councilman Siarkowski, Councilman Simonds Voting Nay: Recused: Absent: Intro R-5 RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE 2019 SEWER FUND BUDGET Motion made by Councilman-At-Large DeSantis; seconded by Councilwoman Weiss Roll Call Vote: Voting Aye: Councilwoman Weiss, Councilman Zarrelli, Councilwoman Batchelor, Councilman-At-Large DeSantis, Councilman Siarkowski, Councilman Simonds, Councilman Smith Voting Nay: 8

9 Recused: Absent: Minutes Common Council Meeting 11/27/18 Intro R-6 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MAYOR DAYTON KING TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH MARK E. WILL, DVM FOR VETERINARY SERVICES THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2019 Motion made by Councilman Simonds; seconded by Councilman Zarrelli Intro R-7 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE TO EXECUTE A BUDGET MODIFICATION RELATED TO REIMBURSEMENT CHECKS FROM FULTON COUNTY FOR POLICE STOP DWI PATROLS Motion made by Councilman Simonds; seconded by Councilman Siarkowski Intro R-8 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE TO EXECUTE A BUDGET MODIFICATION RELATED TO REIMBURSEMENT CHECKS FROM ALCOHOLISM AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSEL FOR ASAPP S PROMISE PATROLS Motion made by Councilwoman Weiss; seconded by Councilman Zarrelli Intro R-9 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE TO EXECUTE A BUDGET MODIFICATION Motion made by Councilman Zarrelli; seconded by Councilman Simonds Intro R-10 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE TO EXECUTE A BUDGET MODIFICATION Motion made by Councilman Siarkowski; seconded by Councilman Simonds Intro R-11 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF GLOVERSVILLE TO ACCEPT A $750,000 GRANT AWARDED UNDER THE NEW YORK STATE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT Motion made by Councilwoman Weiss; seconded by Councilwoman Batchelor OLD BUSINESS Demolition Portfolio Streetlight Conversion 9

10 DPW Building Electrician Job Opening Minutes Common Council Meeting 11/27/18 Councilwoman Batchelor asked for an update on the electrician position. DPW Director Trumbull stated that they are still hoping to hire the interested candidate and Electrician Walsh is currently on vacation this week. Requirements to Allow City to Inspect Properties Before Auction Follow Up to Errors in Pinnacle Report Councilwoman Weiss asked for an update on the Pinnacle report. Mayor King stated that they are just waiting to receive a new report at this time. MISCELLANEOUS Councilman-At-Large Vincent DeSantis Councilman-At-Large DeSantis stated that he was expecting to see a resolution adopting the Downtown Development Strategy this evening. City Attorney Casale stated that zoning ordinances need to be in place first which requires waiting for the county zoning board meeting which will be held on the first Wednesday in December. He added that they can ratify this at the work session meeting in December. ADJOURNMENT 7:02PM Motion made by Councilman Siarkowski to adjourn the meeting at 7:02PM; seconded by Councilman Simonds. Carried 7 Ayes 0 Nays Jennifer Mazur, City Clerk 10