City Council Meeting

10:51

Call to Order and items for consideration

17:48

Invocation

18:23

Pledge of Allegiance

18:45

Roll Call

Public Hearing - Proposed 2026-27 HUD Action Plan

20:10

Public Hearing Comment (HUD) - Ellie Pepper

Resident Ellie Pepper called the proposed home repair and rehabilitation fund a “good start” to help residents fix Schenectady’s aging housing stock, adding that an expansion of these investments and accessibility is needed before families reach a crisis point. Pepper also expressed support for funding BCNI’s housing counseling and first-time home buyer education work. Pepper also urged the council to make the city budget and planning process more transparent and accessible for residents.

Public Hearing - Proposed Central Park Tennis Court Fees & Reservation System

24:34

Public Hearing Comment (Tennis) - John Knudson ((comment was technically given in the earlier public hearing section))

Resident John Knudson criticized the lack of community input from tennis players present in the proposal. Knudson walked through the court layout and current uses, explaining why the system would not work practically.

29:24

Public Hearing Comment (Tennis) - Anita Russo

Schenectady Tennis Association (STA) President Anita Russo requested a meeting with the Council to discuss the system. Russo, who explained that Central Park has been home to STA for 66 years, laid out several concerns, including how the proposed $15/hr fee would impact STA’s membership numbers. Russo suggested a gradual imposition of fees, an imposition that would be determined by how STA membership rates are affected by the fees.

31:23

Public Hearing Comment (Tennis) - Heather Meaney

Resident Heather Meaney urged the Council to reconsider the proposal, arguing that the fee would impose significant financial barriers that are not realistic for anyone’s budget. Meaney also noted that Schenectady residents already funded the park through taxes. Regarding the reservation system, Meaney suggested that the Council consider including hours when a reservation would not be required, given that, during the day, the courts are oftentimes empty.

34:23

Public Hearing Comment (Tennis) - Chris Lee & Alexander Kaiser

Chris Lee argued that, if the City had planned to impose fees on the new courts from the start, then a public hearing should have been held to get community feedback. Lee noted that, if given the option between the free, usable old courts or new courts with an imposed fee, she, and many other players, would choose the latter. If a fee need be imposed, Lee said, it needs to be reasonable, with reasonable being enough to cover the cost of the courts, not to generate revenue. Lee added that the proposed fee is discriminatory, given that it will serve to exclude those who cannot afford to pay and benefit those that can.

37:05

Public Hearing Comment (Tennis) - Imran Shah

Schenectady Tennis Association member Imran Shah shared the many benefits of the current tennis culture in Central Park which has drawn people in to play and strengthened the health of the local community. Shah argued that the proposed fee will be a punishment for local public tennis players who already have a shortage of good courts to access and would weaken the positive community and health effects the courts have created.

39:08

Public Hearing Comment (Tennis) - Cynthia Farmer

Resident Cynthia Farmer expressed her opposition towards a fee, arguing that residents have already paid for the courts via taxpayer dollars. Farmer described the park as one of the few places that offers affordable recreation for all residents. Bringing up the budget, Farmer stressed that residents should not be treated as revenue streams to cover financial shortfalls made by the current administration, adding that this fee would be a slippery slope to further fees for other public spaces. Farmer urged the City to reconsider the proposal and to remember the importance of investing in opportunities that improve quality of life, especially for young people and seniors.

43:08

Public Hearing Comment (Tennis) - Jonathan Simms

Resident and USTA member Jonathan Simms expressed his opposition towards the $15/hr fee, suggesting non-residents pay a modest fee instead. He asked for free play before 5pm, when the courts are largely empty, and pushed back on any locking system that would block early-morning play. Simms urged the Council to also add real grass around the courts and to not let USTA dominate a park that belongs to residents.

48:45

Public Hearing Comment (Tennis) - Bill Buell

Schenectady resident and county historian Bill Buell spoke to Central Park's history and beauty grounded in a welcoming community, arguing that he did not agree with creating a for-profit entity in a public park. Buell remarked on his own history there, recalling friendships easily made over years of playing tennis.

52:47

Public Hearing Comment (Tennis) - John Knudson

Resident John Knudson urged the Mayor to add wifi-cameras, sharing that the newly painted courts had already been vandalized. Knudson also questioned why tennis is being singled out to turn a profit when no other similar amenity in Schenectady makes profit. He also pointed to other USTA tournaments as proof that the courts will generate economic return.

55:24

Public Hearing Comment (Tennis) - Carter Griffin

Schenectady Tennis Association member Carter Griffin expressed support for 15-LOVE, a program that offers free tennis and life skills to youth in the Capital Region, particularly low-income children. Griffin noted that the program currently operates at the Michigan Avenue courts on weekends, and shared excitement about the prospect of bringing it to Central Park. Griffin also suggested the 18-court complex could host a few tournaments to bring in revenue for the city.

58:42

Public Hearing Comment (Tennis) - Marion Porterfield

Schenectady resident and former councilmember Marion Porterfield broke down the math of where the funds came from, including $2 million in capital funds which was borrowed money that taxpayers will repay. Porterfield expressed support for the gated entry, as well as charging non-residents, but not residents who have already paid for the project through taxes. Porterfield pushed back against the argument that this fee is comparable to golf fees due to the accessibility of both sports, with tennis only requiring a ball and a racket.

Public Hearing - Amending Schenectady City Code "Garbage, Rubbish, and Refuse" Re Collection of Solid Wastes and Recyclables

1:03:00

Public Hearing Comment (Garbage) - Helen Saunders

Helen Saunders raised concerns about a $50 fine imposed for trash cans placed at the curb before 2pm on the day before pickup. Saunders described the compliance window as narrow, sometimes only a few hours of daylight in winter, and as a burden for elderly and disabled residents who struggle to lug heavy cans to the curb. Saunders adds that the fine is especially burdensome for residents on low or fixed income.

01:07:33

Public Hearing Comment (Garbage) - Deborah Baums

Resident and landlord Deborah Baums opposed the limit of garbage and recycling cans for one household. She argued the limit fails large families, such as her daughter’s two-story flat that houses ten people. Baums also shared that competitor pricing is cheaper than what the City would be charging. Baums suggested that the City provide special pickups for landlords and homeowners for bigger cleanouts.

01:13:00

Public Hearing Comment (Garbage) - Marion Porterfield

Schenectady resident and former councilmember Marion Porterfield urged the Council to revisit the garbage collection plan and argued the issue belongs at the administrative level. Porterfield showed the City has been discussing this kind of program, including the sticker system, since 2022. She also shared concerns about the 45-gallon cans residents will likely need to purchase under the limit; even as an able-bodied person, she found the can heavy when empty, a factor that will be difficult for many, especially older and disabled residents, to deal with.

1:17:55

Ceremonial Resolution - AFSCME Earth Day

A resolution commending AFSCME Local 1037 for its Earth Day tree donation to the city of Schenectady. Local member Joe Anderson spoke. Councilmember Kim Wiggins presented the resolution.

1:23:26

Approval of Minutes

1:23:36

Public Comment – Legislative Consent Agenda (NONE)

1:23:48

Communications & Petitions - Donna Dakota (Development)

Via email: Donna Dakota expressed opposition to the proposed 60-unit apartment complex in the Stockade, citing concerns about overdevelopment, and requested that the city and Metroplex support smaller-scale development and preservation of the neighborhood.

1:24:29

Communications & Petitions - Uditner Sugrim (Police)

Via email: Uditner Sugrim submitted a complaint regarding delayed response times and lack of accessibility at the Schenectady Police Department following a hit-and-run accident on Brandywine Avenue.

1:25:09

Communications & Petitions - Naomi Aggins (Garbage)

Via letter: Naomi Aggins raised concerns about the city's new garbage collection practices, specifically the trash containers, noting it would be difficult for seniors or disabled individuals to chase down lids on a windy day.

1:25:29

Communications & Petitions - Magali Reyes (Garbage)

Via letter: Magali Reyes expressed opposition to the new garbage collection changes, citing the burden of purchasing disposal stickers at city hall for those without transportation or on fixed incomes, the risk of sticker theft, and items being dumped on neighbors' property. Reyes also raised concerns about challenges disabled residents, including herself, will face under the new rules. She requested that the City eliminate disposal fees, target only excessive dumpers, and return to the previous collection system.

1:26:07

Communications & Petitions - Haley Viccaro (Garbage)

Haley Viccaro, president of the Boulevard Appreciation Neighborhood Association, urged the council to preserve resident choice between cans and curbside bags, citing cost burdens and crew efficiency concerns. Viccaro also requested that any approved changes be communicated via email, the city website, and social media, and offered to assist with neighborhood outreach.

1:26:54

Communications & Petitions - Carl Hasselbarth (Representing clients on use agreement)

Attorney Carl Hasselbarth advocated for his client's release from a use agreement on 320 Germania Avenue. He argued that his client, Ms. Prasad, satisfied the 5-year occupancy requirement by residing at the property from February 2020 through summer 2025. Hasselbarth presented supporting evidence including neighbor testimony, a utility bill, and a landlord registration statement, and noted that Prasad is willing to swear to the facts. Despite this, corporation counsel has indicated the City will not release her from the agreement unless she pays $29,000.

1:27:42

Communications & Petitions - Lori Hoy (Central Park Tennis Fees)

Via email: Lori Hoy urged that the new Central Park tennis courts be free or heavily discounted for City residents and completely free for youth under 18, while non-residents pay a fee.

1:28:40

Committee Report - Public Service & Utilities Committee from Chairperson, Councilmember Doreen Ditoro

Councilmember Ditoro shared that, under new EPA regulations, all water systems must identify the material of water service lines (lead, steel, copper, or PVC) entering each building, and Schenectady residents are urged to fill out the card from consulting firm CHA or the notice left on their doorknob, or to request a free inspection by contacting Phyllis Garmand at (518) 382-5023.

1:30:12

Approval of legislative consent agenda

Public Comment – General City Business

1:30:29

Public Comment – Carl Hasselbarth (Use Agreement)

Attorney Carl Hasselbarth, representing Schenectady resident Rameshwari Prasad, argued for her release from a use and occupancy agreement on 320 Germania Avenue, which she purchased from the city several years ago and now wants to sell. Hasselbart maintained that Prasad has satisfied the 5-year occupancy requirement, noting that the agreement does not specify that the property must be her primary or only residence. Prasad described working two jobs and spending nights on the second floor of 320 Germania. Two friends gave supporting testimony. Hasselbarth said corporation counsel has dismissed the witness testimony in favor of voter registration and driver's license records that list different addresses. Without release, Prasad must pay $29,000 from her sale proceeds, which has been delayed for months as a result.

1:34:39

Public Comment – Anthony Curata (warning: serious anti-LGBTQIA rhetoric)

Curata's comments contained anti-LGBTQIA rhetoric which I will not amplify by summarizing here.

1:38:17

Public Comment – Crystal Doyne (Bus Stops)

Resident Crystal Doyne raised concerns about the maintenance of CDTA bus stops within the City. Doyne described main stops, including the mobility center near SCCC and the downtown train station as dirty, poorly lit, and covered in bird feces, conditions she notes are unhygienic, unpleasant, and unsafe. Doyne urged the Council to consider making changes to make it safer and cleaner.

1:40:39

Public Comment – Eric Johnson (Electric City Community Grocery)

Resident Eric Johnson, president of the Electric City Community Grocery board, shared that the co-op has fully expended its $1 million ARPA grant and will submit final paperwork to the planning department. The funds went toward planning, architecture, and pre-ordered equipment. Johnson noted that construction begins in two weeks at the Wedgeway building downtown. He also mentioned that the project could use additional support if available, noting that a 2021 budget doesn't stretch as far in 2026, and spoke to how meaningful the downtown grocery will be to city residents. As a partner of One Schenectady, Johnson invited the public to a Vale Park and Cemetery cleanup this Sunday.

1:45:32

Public Comment – Sean Radigan (Budget Transparency)

Sean Radigan urged the Council to make their budgets more transparent. Radigan shared that his FOIL request for the 2026 adopted City budget in spreadsheet format was denied, with the City stating no such records exist, a response Radigan found absurd, since the publicly posted PDF clearly originated from a spreadsheet. He plans to appeal. Radigan argued residents deserve functional access to financial information, especially as the Mayor blames the Council for a multi-million-dollar budget overrun and the budget itself relies on police-issued parking fines and school-zone speed camera, currently behind schedule. He also flagged concerns about a proposal from the Mayor’s office to use augmented reality headsets from Qwake Technologies, noting a $78,000 annual software maintenance fee and data-sharing concerns.

1:49:01

Public Comment – Marion Porterfield (Budget)

Former councilmember Marion Porterfield addressed the City’s budget deficit. She first revisited trash collection, making the argument that trash should be a separate budget line item like sewer and water. As part of the budget deficit, Porterfield recommended looking at PILOTs which are payments in lieu of taxes. While development is necessary, she noted that Schenectady is now a destination and shouldn't need to offer so many PILOTs to attract investment. She recommended limiting PILOT duration, increasing payments over time, and addressing situations where new property owners inherit PILOTs and pay below typical tax rates.

Miscellaneous Business from the Council

1:52:26

Councilmember Justin Chaires

Councilman Justin Chaires thanked residents for speaking at the public hearings, congratulated COCOA House on 30 years of work in the community, and recognized the second annual Schenectady Trash Parade and SUNY Schenectady graduates. Chaires then addressed updates regarding the police new hire panel. Chaires noted Mental Health Awareness Month and pointed residents to NAACP youth resources. Chaires thanked veterans and attendees of Memorial Day services.

1:57:48

Councilmember Doreen Ditoro

Councilmember Doreen Ditoro read a statement from Jacqueline Clute of the St. Luke's Daily Bread Food Pantry about food insecurity in Schenectady County and the impact of recent federal SNAP cuts on vulnerable groups, including veterans. Ditoro then weighed in on the tennis court fee debate. She noted that the fees were adopted before the USTA renovation. She compared the situation to the municipal golf course, which receives ARPA funding but still charges residents green fees, while distinguishing the city pool as a broader public health and recreation resource. Ditoro expressed belief for a possible compromise, including reserving hours for Schenectady residents and STA members during typically empty times, while keeping some type of fee structure that needs to be discussed further. She also highlighted upcoming community events.

Closing

2:08:04

Mayor Pro Tem - Closing Remarks

The mayor pro tem provided a paving program update. Over three miles of streets will be paved this year under the CHIPS Paving Program, focused on Mount Pleasant (the Crane Street and Velsen corridors) in preparation for the Crane Street Bridge replacement next year. Franklin Street has already been paved, including Vale Park improvements: a new parking area, gates and fences to limit vehicular access, and a trail connection where the City’s first off-road cycle track will soon open. Craig Street will be paved next year following water line replacement. Paving work will begin on the J Street connector linking Little Italy with Nott Street. The full list will be posted on the city's Department of Engineering page.

2:09:24

Council President Carl Williams – Closing Remarks

Council President Carl Williams closed by first responding to anti-LGBTQ+ comments made earlier. Williams stated his clear and unequivocal support for the LGBTQIA+ community and expressed enthusiasm for upcoming Pride celebrations. He thanked everyone who came out to speak, calling the meeting a reflection of democracy working. Williams reminded attendees that the public hearings will return to committee on Monday, where the opinions raised will be considered, and encouraged residents to stay engaged rather than rely on second- or third-hand accounts. He closed with a Memorial Day reflection.