City Council Meeting – April 26, 2026

Agenda. Navigate the video via the time stamps below

City Council Meeting

02:38

Call to Order

5:52

Invocation

6:33

Pledge of Allegiance

6:52

Roll Call

7:13

Public Hearing: Amending Section 9-6 of the Schenectady City Code to Increase the Membership of the Downtown Special Assessment District Board from Nine to Fifteen Members and to Amend Such Membership Qualifications

8:16

Public Hearing Comment - Orlondo Huntley

Will give comment in general public hearing

8:09

Approval of Minutes

8:18

Communications & Petitions

A list of appointments from the mayor. A letter from Taylor Spencer urging expanded tree planting and green space efforts, citing environmental and equity benefits and encouraging the City to strengthen and invest in urban forestry initiatives.

8:56

Committee Reports (None)

9:06

Public Comment – Legislative Agenda (None)

9:17

Legislative Consent Agenda Approval

Public Comment – General City Business

9:37

Public Comment – Denise Wells

Resident Denise Wells, who lives on Eastern Avenue, described serious safety issues on the street, including reckless driving and speeding that puts pedestrians and children at risk, particularly in front of Tribute Park. Wells noted that, on April 6, a drunk driver totaled her parked vehicle in front of that park. Wells worries that a child will get hit before something is done and urged the Council to institute physical measures, like a speed bump or traffic cameras before a tragic accident occurs.

11:23

Public Comment – Peter Kemer

Resident Peter Kemer concurred with Wells, saying that the park is poorly signed and marked and that there is frequent speeding in the area. Kemer claimed that no one pays attention to the 25 mph speed limit and advocated for speed bumps and clear signage in order to protect children who frequent the park.

13:25

Public Comment – Orlondo Otis Huntley

Resident and Mayoral Candidate Orlondo Otis Huntley urged the City to better champion artists in the city. Huntley highlighted hurdles that artists need to face in order to have block parties or find places to perform publicly. Huntley also advocated for speed bumps or to consider pedestrian bridges to mediate speeding, noting that he himself has faced the consequences of reckless driving, having been hit by a car on Erie Blvd.

Miscellaneous Business

16:18

Councilmember Justin Chaires - Autism Awareness Month and More

Councilmember Chaires recognized Autism Awareness Month, expressing a desire to make sure that the City has inclusion and acceptance for those who are on the autism spectrum. Chaires highlighted the You Me and Poetry Festival, school amities, citywide cleanups. He thanked residents for reporting issues related to potholes and illegal dumping, some of which were addressed quickly. He urged residents to continue to bring concerns to the Council.

Closing

20:37

Council President Carl Williams – Closing Remarks

Williams addressed concerns about speeding, pointing to existing plans that have been put in place in order to mitigate speeding, such as speed tables, with a necessity of reallocating budget funds to prioritize these items. Williams highlight recent community events, including Arbor Daycare, Earthfest, Capital Region Summer Classic, and more. He expressed appreciation for community collaboration.