City Council Meeting

24:54

Call to Order and items for consideration

27:59

Invocation

28:48

Pledge of Allegiance

29:19

Roll Call

29:37

Approval of Minutes

29:47

Communications & Petitions

A thank you letter from representatives of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States for the donation to their post.

30:26

Committee Reports (None)

Public Comment – Legislative Agenda

30:42

Public Comment – Anita Russo

Schenectady Tennis Association (STA) president Anita Russo expressed concerns about the function and implementation of the proposed electronic lock system to protect the new tennis courts in Central Park. Russo shared worries that the system may present new barriers to play and suggested a balance between maintaining public, low-cost access while being able to host tournaments that support the local economy.

32:19

Public Comment – John Knudson

Resident John Knudson shared concerns about the proposed fees to use the Central Park tennis courts. He noted that, across the U.S., public tennis courts are generally free, and that only New York City charges for use. Knudson broke down what a $15/hour fee would mean for an active tennis player, explaining that the cost would become exorbitant over a season, especially compared to the previous cost, which was $0. He believes the fee would present a barrier to all tennis players, especially to learners and the youth.

36:34

Public Comment – Jonathan Simms

Resident Jonathan Sims echoed Knudson’s concerns and added that the city should use real grass instead of seed for the project so the area doesn’t end up full of weeds again. He also said a $15/hour tennis fee doesn’t make sense, especially when the courts sit empty during the day and residents already pay taxes for the park.

38:33

Public Comment – Marion Porterfield

Resident and former city councilmember Marion Porterfield Shared concerns about the proposed fees to the Central Park tennis courts, taxpayers already paid for most of the new Central Park tennis courts through ARPA funds and city dollars, so residents should not be charged fees to use them. She noted that the pool, built at a much higher cost, is free, that the new courts are designed to need very little maintenance, and that the USTA, who also paid for the courts, will use the courts for 20 years at no cost, which she argued should entitle residents to the same consideration. Porterfield also said that the new courts are beautiful with no comparison to other courts in Schenectady and that the proposed fee would create unequal, unfair access for residents who cannot afford the fee.

Public Comment – General City Business

41:36

Public Comment – John Knudson

Resident John Knudson explained that from 2010 to 2024 the city paid nothing to operate the tennis courts because volunteers handled basic upkeep, and he said that system could continue. He argued that the new courts are built to last 25 years with almost no maintenance, so charging $15/hour would unfairly block people from teaching their kids, practicing, or playing casually. He added that Central Park has excellent sports facilities (baseball, soccer, basketball, now tennis) but the City does little to bring in quality teachers so that youth can get good at those sports, and he urged the Council to find ways to support youth so they can benefit more from these public spaces.

44:38

Public Comment – Rachael Ward

Resident and city council candidate Rachael Ward thanked city staff and the council for the many improvements in Central Park. She suggested one more project for the Council to consider: restoring the old Central Park Flyer ride, which she remembered fondly from childhood.

45:43

Public Comment – Sean Radigan

Resident Sean Radigan requested that the City share the City budget as a spreadsheet, rather than as a pdf. He initially made this most recent request via email on April 29th and did not hear back from the finance department. Radigan argued that, as a self-proclaimed “smart city,” Schenectady should offer prompt, accurate, and public reporting. He urges the Council to make the data easier for the public to access and analyze by publishing the data as a spreadsheet.

48:09

Public Comment – Eric Johnson

Resident Eric Johnson thanked the Council for working to bring order to the garbage system. He asked the Council to quantify and measure the unclear term “jackpots” that continues to be used in garbage discussions. Johnson, a Wyllie St. cleanup organizer, also urged better protection for sanitation workers, and reported continued illegal dumping on Wyllie St. while encouraging the Council and City staff to keep working towards a solution.

50:26

Public Comment – Elizabeth Walsh

Resident Elizabeth Walsh thanked the Mayor, Council, and staff for their public service and celebrated the collaborative spirit in Schenectady. Walsh highlighted ongoing improvements in Central Park, thanked the City for investing in the new Environmental Education Center, and invited the community to upcoming Schenectady Foundation events, including the Creative Changemakers presentations and creative activities leading up to Declaration Day.

52:42

Public Comment – Orlondo Otis Hundley

Resident and mayoral candidate Orlondo Otis Hundley said he has been visiting local small businesses and hearing about the challenges they face and urged the City to consider ways that they can encourage people to spend dollars locally. Hundley argued that instead of spending money on plastic barriers back then, the City could have invested in local delivery systems that would keep more money circulating in Schenectady, noting that companies like Uber take millions in fees each year.

Closing

54:51

Mayor Gary McCarthy - Closing Remarks

McCarthy thanked those who shared their thoughts on the tennis courts and other facilities within the City. He urged property owners and business owners to clean up around their areas, noting that if everyone did a little, it would have a big impact on how the City looks.

55:32

Council President Carl Williams – Closing Remarks

Williams noted that the Memorial Day resolution was tabled and will return at a later date. He wished residents a belated Happy Mother’s Day, congratulated COCOA House on its upcoming 30‑year celebration, and shared excitement about the reopening of Daley's on Yates He reminded residents about the second annual Trash Parade on May 15 and encouraged participation. Williams also thanked residents for their comments about the tennis courts, emphasizing the importance of inclusive decision‑making. He also addressed Radigan’s comment regarding making the budget more accessible, noting that transparency is incredibly important to the function of City government.