Common Council - Regular Meeting

Okay, we're live. Okay, cool. Okay, it's 5:30. We're going to go over our agenda for March 17, 2026.

Good.

So, we have five resolutions and one consent. So, first one is resolution 25261 159 adopting [clears throat] the minutes from the last common council meeting. Any questions or comments? Resolution 2526160. resolution strongly urging immediate review of the electric delivery charges demanding improved cost controls and transparency and authorizing formal complaints to the New York State Public Service Commission regarding the escalating cost of electricity. Alderman, [clears throat]

I'm just going to read something. It's much easier to say it. Supporting the town of of Cenatis and calling for an investigation into national grid is about standing up for our residents and demanding transparency in how energy costs are calculated across our communities. We are seeing troubling a troubling pattern delivery charges [clears throat] and in some cases exceed the actual cost of the energy being used. That raises serious questions about fairness, accountability, and whether rateayers are being burdened with unjustified costs. For families already struggling with rising expenses, these bills are not just numbers. They impact their ability to heat their homes, run their businesses, and make ends meet. An investigation is not about assigning blame. It's about ensuring that the system is working as it's intended, that charges are justified, and the residents are being treated fairly. By supporting this effort, we join a growing number of municipalities advocating for answers, transparency, and relief for the people we serve. It's our responsibility to ask the hard questions and to stand with our community when costs don't make sense. Um I know that Assemblyman Santa Barbara along with other Assemblymen are calling for an investigation into the New York State electric and gas. Um we see it here in our own community with you know sometimes we see it in our own our own city our own uh city where we have u municipality build or businesses that are paying in some cases higher than the fees are higher than the actual cost of bill. I mean, clubhouse being one of the big ones, you know, when you see it like that. And I think that this is a way for us to acknowledge the situation for our residents and to say that we care about the struggles that they're going through

and I ask forget you and I ask you to support this legislation. So, it's great.

Okay. The only the only issue that I would have is the the last resolved on the first page where we would to be directed to submit formal complaints, rent comments, and supporting documentation from citizens. Correct. Um, so that would be going to our clerk's office and that would create a routine where if you receive something, you'd have to send it to somebody. Correct. [clears throat] And I think that that may not be something that we want to get. I I I'm in total support of the message of this this um this resolution. I would definitely be in favor of it. The only question I have is can we eliminate that be it further resolve that

sure the citizens would you know we would be I think what we can do is provide citizens with the information they need to submit it by you know directly [clears throat] but I I I would hate to all of us and I can we eliminate this section make an amendment to strike to strike this section the last final the second to last the final one is final one on the first page the final one on the first page. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. But then the next one where you would transmit copy of the resolution to the public services commission. So it's the second.

Yeah. Constituents can file complaints with the public service commission directly online or over the phone. Sure. No, this is very good, Chris. Total support. I'll make that amendment when I come. Okay. Resolution 25261 161 resolution authorizing request for proposals for the concier concier services at Veterans Park.

Yeah. So essentially it's the gentleman last year who had the popup at the park for those several months between May and September. We're opening up the bid again. Um, so yeah, it's pretty straightforward. I just found out today that he's got a restaurant. Yes. On Market Street. Is that where it is? Main Street. So, it's going to be someone new. Yeah. You still have to submit it. We hope. Yep.

You got here. It says the concessionire has until July 1. Uh, submit it to city clerk prior to July 1. I think it's uh timed again that the department put this together. [clears throat] I'm thinking it's time for the opening of the swimming pool. Sure. Um well may it say in the beginning it says in the beginning May 21st that's when it's going to be open but you got until July to put a submission in. Well then that's a mistake.

No they have till 3 p.m. on April 10th. It's on the second page RFP or the third page of the RFP I'm looking where is it Stacy? Last paragraph Jim on the RFP. Last paragraph on the RFP. Oh, last paragraph on RFP. That's right. Proposal should be submitted by 3M on April 10th. There you go. Thank you then. No problem. Thank you. Okay. Oh, but I do see your July 1. That's the require that's an insurance requirement prior to July 1 of each year or the commen.

No, that's right. Yeah. Have your insurance and that's under the insurance policy. Does it make sense or does it need to be changed? I still can't find it. Looks great to me under this like under this disability insurance benefit. That's where it says, but I don't know if we normally say July 1st because that's on our fiscal year. Okay, if that's a fiscal year date must be submitted to city click prior to July 1st of each year for the commencement of operations. So in other words, so the commencement of operations would be the earlier date if that's what you're thinking. Well, no, I'm thinking this. See, he's going to be open from May 21st. Yes. Through May through

Yes. But he doesn't need he doesn't need an insurance policy until July 1. No, it said July 1st of each year or the commencement of operations which means which would be May. Yeah. Which would be okay. You're covered. Right. You're covered. Okay. Sure. Whichever is earliest. Okay. Okay. Yeah. Easy peasy. Good.

Any questions, guys, on that other than this? Okay. Thank you. Okay. Resolution 2526162, resolution referring the 2026 comprehensive plan update to the city planning commission and Montgomery County Planning Board and declaring intent to access the agency under secret. Um, Dan Gray was supposed to be here tonight and he had a a situation, a personal situation with his with his family, but um, and I he didn't brief me on this, but again, it's uh, we had the meeting on the comprehensive plan. Um, and this is part of the process of getting it approved. Um, we are we are we have a you know there have been a couple of issues regarding the plan that we are checking into and I was hoping Dan would be here to address those. For one example, we are having the plan translated into Spanish so that'll be made available in the Spanish language. What you got there? Oh, thank you. Um, but but unfortunately Dan was not able to be make it to the meeting tonight. So, if you have any questions specifically, I can see if I can answer them. This is just for the seeker. [clears throat] [clears throat]

No questions. [laughter] Resolution 2526163 resolution approving the audit and the audit is fine. Any questions? We have one consent 25264 resolution budget transfer clerk's office for computer alman. [clears throat]

If you look at the last clause for the city's budget clerk's budget has enough funds to cover this cost. However, there needs to be a transfer to move funds from the contractual expense line [clears throat] to equipment. That's what we're doing. We're gonna move it to the equipment line. Okay. We're gonna go back to Dan if you like. Okay. Okay. But that's what this is about. We're just moving it. Okay. Because she she needs a little extra because Marvin when Marvin and the city clerk went over, they needed an extra money. So did this transfer. Am I right? Yes. Yeah. Price went up. All right. [laughter] Thank you. Crazy. Okay. So, is that okay?

Oh, yeah. Yeah. Just the price going up is right. I mean, we all know why the price went up. So, [laughter] go ahead. Okay. So, Dan came back, so you can speak about the rest of Dan. Did you want to say anything about the secret?

Um, I mean, I certainly didn't answer any questions. Um, the next So, this is the first step of the process. The second step, a couple weeks ago, we had a meeting with the the committee and did a public meeting where we invited the public to come look at the comp plan. [clears throat] there's been edits and recommendations and made um we're going to be starting to incorporate those into the plan. The next step for us is for the council to recommend it to the city planning commission and the county planning commission to review it. Once they review it, they'll send it back to you guys with their recommendation. We will have a public hearing on it and then you guys will vote to adopt it or not. And Dan, I informed the council that you are making an effort now to get the plan uh presented in Spanish language as well. Correct.

Yes, we're trying to figure out I mean it's a 250 page document. It's pretty technical. So, we're figuring out how and you haven't heard from Kers yet, but um I haven't heard they haven't given me price of what it would cost yet. No. Okay. Um but we're working through and trying to figure out how to get that the old end product in in English and Spanish. How was the turnout at the public meeting? Um, it was pretty good. I think there was people or somewhere around there. I'd say full room. Yeah. Yeah. So, it was it was impressive. Good. Um, there's a lot of different people from the community that showed up to only the usual suspects. So, which is was heartening. That is good. Any other questions for Thank you, dear.

Thank you, Dan. Okay. That is the end of our resolution. Kylie, do you want to talk about Safe Street?

Um, sure. So, the first working group session is going to be tomorrow at 1:00. Uh, the group got a Zoom link. We can do it um primarily I was planning on just doing it via Zoom from their desks and um I'd like to have it posted on YouTube afterwards so that it would be public um since we will have, you know, various members of the council and everything there. So they they'll be able people will be able to see that and uh comment on it if they want to. And so yeah, the agenda went out where we're just going to pretty much spitball a list of all the ideas we have for all the the tools that we either have or wish we had. Um and then go through them and see like, okay, what do we have now? Uh what do we think we would like in the future? Which ones need money? Which ones need legislation? Which ones need more research? and kind of um assign them out there and then see what we're working with and be able to add to it over time and start applying them.

So that's the plan for that. Any other committee reports?

There's a golf commission meeting tomorrow at 5:00 in the common council chambers here. The public is invited to attend. Any council members like to attend? If there's more than three of us, let me know. We'll do something about it. I will not be able to make that meeting because I have a another meeting someplace else. So, if anybody wants to jump in where I normally am, then it's open to the public. 5:00 commission meeting and uh that's what we're going to discuss. Most of everything has uh been updated. Megan's been in contact with the mayor and I, the engineer, and [clears throat] mostly everything is complete. I know this that they started to empty out the old pro shop. They're going to clean it out, and this year that's where the pro shop is going to be, where the old one used to be.

Nice. So, they they're starting to clean that out. They have the bathrooms already in use. A couple things need to be replaced. need to do something about the sewer pump up there and the parts that being ordered, but everything other than that, we're moving the outside equipment, patio equipment in, and we'll have more tomorrow after tomorrow night's meeting. Jill's up there working today for a couple hours trying to clean it up. That'd be good. They'll have more merchandise and golf balls and equipment. Yes. Again,

thank you. The next recreation commission meeting is uh this coming Monday, I believe, at five o'clock and that'll be on um live as well. [clears throat]

Thank you. All right. Award updates or special projects going up? Um we met with um I met with uh CDTA representatives and Labella representatives with the businesses at Five Corners. Um we clarified a lot of the misconceptions out there and they seem to be CDTA is willing to adjust their construction plan. It's just a plan. It's not a blueprint and they listen to the building to the business owners. Um they were very respectful to them. It went very well. Um and it seems like everybody went further further to come when I

That's great. Great. Thank you very much. And two other things. We met yesterday the mayor mayor Chris and I met with a bureau dash central civico about the needs of the people in the fifth ward and what needs to be done. contacts. We had went over various issues. We met the individuals from Rochester and we went over certain things in the city of Amsterdam. And then tomorrow from 4 to 6 we're meeting also I think where is that here or it's central

central civico. We're meeting tomorrow. a very important meeting tomorrow [clears throat] 4 to 6 about the repaving of Main Street in the east end and state department of of DOT is going to be there and they're going to talk about the sheep paving and I know a lot of things have been done last year right Mike we put the water line in the sewer line in so now they're ready for yeah we did quite a bit of that part of what part of one of the reasons well they're not wants to have is because you know there's going to be some changes to [snorts] curb lines And so there will be some short-term impacts, but but it's not going to be this year. Oh, no. They're not going to pay for this year. They're going to pay with 27. [snorts]

So, but they're going to give us an update about the east end and the paving, which is good news because between that street and Marcus Street and Church Street, three most very popular streets, a lot of questions are being asked. Are they going to add better sidewalks on Main Street, you think? That's what they're going to talk about. Okay. Mike Mike, are they going to start the Skyler Street by Dr. Ral's office project this year? I know they're doing the table next year. That's the plan. Yes. So, they would do it this year and then that's why they're not doing the other one till next year because Yeah, it would just get torn up. Well, they have a conflict that the two projects be.

I have another question for you. They didn't Is that going to be discussed tomorrow? Open up Skyler Street. I don't think they're planning on opening up Skyler Street. They're talking about the other side of East Main, the south side towards the tracks, making that two way. So, how it's one way in front of Dr. Rouse? That's going to be a two-way again. Oh, it is. Yeah. Really? Yeah. Oh, good. That's a little separate, too, from that's project's a little separate from the DOT project. Um the DOT is doing they're probably going to be talking about Route Five because that's their project. The Skyler Street is our project. Skyler Street is your project. Yeah, that's our project. They still going to open that up? They're not going to open up the north side. They're going to take the south side and make it two-way. Southside, make it two-way. So, between Stuarts and Dr. R's office,

they're going to make that a two-way. Correct. Two-way. Well, and the reason for that is because long term the there's still a project that's out there to abandon the arterial section. And you can't do that without that that piece of skyler being two ways or you'd never be able to get down to those offices. That's step one. Step one of the project. Correct. Trying to picture this two way. Yeah. Picture. So you get the front street. Yeah. Oh, so you get two way. So you can take a right because once they close down the arterial down, you won't be able to do that. They're going to close the They're going to widen the bridge, right? To widen the bridge project.

They're Yeah. Coming off. They're going to have a third lane coming off. The concept is to abandon that ramp eastbound, right? And remove it and and abandon the arterial forming the arterial. But in order to do that, you got to get two way. You want me to say any more? [laughter] I'm sorry, Joe. I [clears throat] But yeah, that's that's the one, two, three. [snorts] I'm gonna No problem. Okay. Thank you. That's it may for me. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Okay, mayor. Um, we can agenda.

We got a few minutes, so we can let Stace do hers. We can Mike do yours. What's up, ladies first, man? Right. Stacead ladies before. All right. So, the clerk's report for what we did in February. Birth certificates, we printed 144, which is down by 24 from 2025. Death certificates we printed 84 which was down 52 from 2025. That's a good thing I guess overall.

Um dog licenses we were down by six. We went from 23 to 29. And marriage certificates we were down by 17 from 8 to 25. And I just want to let you know this is not something that we're surprised with last year with the new flying regulations and everybody having to have their birth certificate and their marriage certificate. So that generated a lot of what we did last year. So that's why we anticipated this decline for 2026. Um so for February new births, there were 23 new births. There were 20 new deaths. There were six new dog licenses. And six couples came in for their marriage licenses. We processed 70 foils. 13 of those were accident reports. 25 were police incident reports. Three were miscellaneous items. And 29 were property inquiries. I had 25 notary requests and then um the handicap placards were a total of 43. 36 were permanent and seven of those um 43 were temporary. Um then also even though we've been slower with printing stuff, we have been busy entering the marriages and births from um previous years into BAS which is where we print a lot of stuff from. So from births, we're working on 1960 um backwards. Everything forward from 1960 looks to be already entered in. And then marriages um we're working from 2008 backwards because everything from then forward looks to be entered into BAS. So it'll make it quicker for us instead of running to the record room to get the information, it'll already be in BAS, which is the program we use, and we can print them quicker for the residents.

Cool. Thank you. Thank you for wonderful work. Thank you for spending your time on that Saturday doing dog licenses with the kitten rescue and the SVCA or I don't know. Yes, it was um Montgomery County Department of Health that did that. Okay. And we brought in 15 licenses that day. It was exciting. It was great. I enjoyed it. See dogs? I did. I had a basset that climbed right up into my lap and it was wonderful. A He picked you. He said, "You need to take me." Yes. He was like, "You're the one." What was that? You're the one you had to take him home. Um, you picked him. No, I don't think his mother would have let me take [laughter] him home. She did let me. She said, "Can you watch him for a few minutes?" I said, "Absolutely, I will."

So, that's all I have. Okay. Um, we could let Mike Does anybody in the council have anything else to talk about? Because I let Mike do the engineering report, see how far we can get. I don't think it should take you too long. Michael, I'll be brief. No, you have to be brief. That's what I'm saying. take as much time as

uh so I see a list passed around on streets by warden everybody has if if you have not already please uh get me your wish list for that we've estimated everything that we have by by the street um and I'm going to I plan to bring that list to the council at the next meeting and we'll have you it's a it's a balancing act, right? [clears throat] Everything's everything's got a dollar amount assigned to it. Um so just think about it here. We've got a what two or three weeks between the next meeting. Three. Anyway, um yeah, if you could get that to me, that would be great. Um demolition project 18 of the 23 have been have been demolished. Now, um that means we got five left to go. And uh that's not counting the two additional properties that we did add to the work of the contract. The one debris pile from that demo building on Edson Street. And I got to tell you, I don't remember the last one, but second, right?

Pardon? Second half. Second half. Yes. Yes. And as always, I'll take questions. Great. Thank you. Thank you. Personally, all these streets are all these houses you demo there. And Mike, thank you very much. Y it really makes a big difference. Well, we got a good contractor. [clears throat]

Yeah. Any any questions for the engineer? All right. Anybody want to talk? We got two minutes. My soon um tell a joke. No, go and tell a joke. I'm trying to just figure out what I can. How was the um Sorry to interrupt. There you go. Come on now. St. Patty's weekend. How did you enjoy it? How'd it go?

Yeah, it was. It was very good. I mean, the 20 20 20 establishments, a lot of people showed up. Um, everybody seemed to have a good time. Um, uh it was just a really nice day for a lot of people. I was I I I made six of them and everyone I went into, everybody was happy with it. The proprietors and also the uh patrons. It was just a very very busy day for a lot of small establishments in our city in one way or very well. That's great.

Congratulations to the Amsterdam High School basketball team. They're playing on Friday u in the regionals in Bingmpington. Uh if they win on Friday, I think they play again on Sunday, the championship. Um and I want to see them play in Glenn Falls. It was a fant not Glenn Falls, Hudson Valley. It was a fantastic game. This team is for real. So rooting them on. If you can uh please do so.

And so why don't we stand for our pledge meeting order [clears throat] to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible and justice for all. Alderwoman Christo here. Alderman Holiday here. Alderwoman Collins here. Alderman Carpenter here. Alderman Marticello here. Motion to accept the agenda. Motion to accept the agenda with five resolutions and one consent. Alderwoman Collins. Hi. Alderman Carpenter. Hi. Alderman Marticello. Hi. Alderwoman Christo. Hi. Alderman Holidayiday. Hi.

Okay. We have no uh proclamations this evening [clears throat] or communications and presentations. So tonight, uh, if any member of the public would like to speak to the council, please approach the podium, state your name, address, and you'll have five minutes to talk to us today. John, our chat would pro at 18 o three. 48 years ago today, I got my only tattoo now. Um, how many years ago? 48 years ago today.

U, I I got to go back a little bit. On Halloween night, Mayor uh Crossroads has uh they give out candy. It's a drive-thru. My understanding that night, right right in our area, I was told that a a child got hit by a car. Now, it's pretty tough at 6:00 at night to see these kids. I think that the city should have a certain place where that you can bring your your child or grandchild to to get candy instead of having to go door todo because the cars can't see, you know, how dark it is between 6:00 and 8:00. So, I thought maybe you can check into that. I'm not against Halloween. I just think that you should have a a place where you can bring bring the kid. uh lawns. Uh we hired a person or a company to take care of our lawns. We had to dilapidated homes, knock it down. Wouldn't it be cheaper if we put on some kind of uh uh cement or, you know, along that way? Uh there's a lot of places that are I noticed in the town of Amsterdam, they don't have grass, you know, so uh uh you know, I think it would have been cheaper to do that. You're talking about a lot of this land that is not going to be sold. You're not going to buy a a vacant lot and build a house anymore. That's not going to happen. We need the housing like we got down on East Main Street. Uh so so if we we take these properties and we put some kind of asphalt on it, then if somebody wants I think it'll be cheaper that way and last longer. And then you uh and if somebody wanted to buy it, you can build a house on, you know, a cemented type of a uh ground. I think that would be better. Uh another thing is uh we're getting ready for tax time. I don't know

if you were talking about the taxes. You know, we get our tax bill in July. Uh if you go around a corner, mayor, uh more and more because the prices of of food, gas, and and uh utilities and stuff. By the way, uh there's a Roy Christian. He gives the okay when it when the cable goes up and the uh national grid. He's the head of the public service commission. I watch a lot of these meetings. I got a lot of time on my hands. So, he's the one that gives the final Okay. Rory Christian. and uh and and he always gives whatever they want, they seem to give it out. So, uh he he's he's one to look at. But these these food pantries are are very well needed and uh uh like I said, Crossroads was involved in it. Time for Truth was uh ministries was involved in it. And uh but but it's you know, you bring up a bunch of food the following day or even that day. I brought over some food uh that Time for uh Truth Ministries had when I went over that was on a Sunday. Monday before 7 o'clock it was all gone and they had four cabinets full plus you got the refrigerator that's out there. So you know that people are hitting the pits. So, so sooner or later, we got to actually try to do something really to help the people out because it's not a good sign, mayor, to have all these people that are uh hungry and uh you know, in need of food. I I think Hannerford and some of these grocery stores actually donate some some food uh instead of having to go in the landfill, the leafy stuff that's not going to last. I don't know, maybe some of the scan goods might be able to last uh a couple years or something, but something has to be done for that because it's just uh too much for the taxpayer. You you got people in the city, mayor, that

are getting over $1,000 a month rent and you know, I you know, it's it's just outrageous. So, I I think we got to, you know, try really do something to help the taxpayer out this year and and that's it.

Thank you, Chair. Okay. Next. Good evening, Mayor, members of council, chief, fire chief, Mr. Clark, Terry Veruchi, Gabriel Contractors, KO Properties, my daughter Christie. Um, got a pretty bad issue up on Cleby Avenue. Um, two Saturdays ago defending her property, uh, I was approached by this young punk kid wanted to pick a fight because I threw him out of the yard. Uh, he decided not to do it. Uh, last Saturday, this young girl and her boyfriend, her husband, don't know which, pulled in the yard, told him they couldn't park there. was had to parked across the street and uh threatened us with coming back and blowing our brains out. This is Amsterdam. So, we both have carried concealed. That's where we're at. Um it's a liability issue on that corner. This fella across the street who supposedly does so much for the community with what he sells does not care about the businesses on either side of him. He only cares about himself. The area cannot support what he's doing. He's inciting people every weekend more and more and more people to come down and they don't care where they're parking. We watch him park on the grass. My daughter's got videos, pictures. The other biggest thing is she's got 15 tenants that she worked damn hard to put in that building. All of them aren't there on a Saturday. Maybe half, maybe a little bit more. And

her building in almost seven years on a Saturday was always filled threequarters way filled. Now nobody because these people are scared to come there because of the traffic of getting in and out. So I guess I I don't know. Uh is he outgrowing his spot? That's for him to say. Don't care. Uh he just does not seem to care about He didn't even come out the other day. My daughter knew one of the security guards inside and they came out. He won't pay for a parking lot attendant, which he should have. We're over there on a Saturday when I should be running my paving business and I'm policing this parking lot. This is wrong. This is wrong. It never was like that, but it is now. And like I said, they they just don't care where they park. They pull in the yard and you tell them that they have to move and they all have an excuse and it's never a good one. So, I have a solution. I'll bring my dump trucks down there on a Saturday and I'll block off Avenue right at the corner and I'll block off the road by First Street, reroute the traffic and he'll be on the same playing field as my daughter. not making any money. Something has to give. Something has to give. This this this is not right. This is not right. And uh and he he wouldn't even come out the other day. My daughter and I were having a shouting match with this fella. And uh he wasn't having it. He knew he knew we had our sidearms. and uh she said, "We have guns, too, and we're coming back to

blow your brains out." That is unacceptable in this city for a place like that doing what they're doing. Be honest with you, maybe you get a couple good deals over there, but the majority of it is junk in my opinion. I don't know how anybody else feels, but that's my opinion. And I see this all the time. I see what these people do. They just don't care. They don't care about anything else but making get in there and get their deal. And that's the only thing that he cares about. And he's praising everything on social media. He's demonizing my daughter for for us not letting them park in her parking lot. Well, if she does that, she'll have no business. And that's not right. She's been there for just about seven years. So, um, I'll do it. Hey, I'll do it. And you got to handcuff me, take me to jail. Well, you got to take me to jail. But there, everybody's telling us, well, if there's a if there's a car parked in there, then you got to tow it. No, not at her expense. They're his cars. They're not hers. And like I said, the the people that are paying her, her tenants, so she can pay her mortgage, they don't want to come to work on a Saturday because they're scared. And if you if any one of you want to come up there Saturday morning and sit with us, I sit in my vehicle and it's it's like chaos. They double park on the bottom of uh Northern Boulevard and we got pictures of that and they don't care. I've never seen so many people turn around in the middle of a street in my life. I It's ungodly. And the kids walking across the street not holding their parents' hands. [snorts] What do you think's going to happen? [clears throat] I don't know. But uh but I'll I have my solution and I'll if if

it doesn't get better real quick, I'll do it. Got to do something. I'm not letting my daughter lose her business over this clown across the street because it's a circus. It's something has to change. We got to do something here. So, I'm calling on all you folks that are our elected officials. put your heads together and figure something out for this fella. Or you shouldn't have to figure something out for him. He should figure it out himself. There's a building right out in the back here. Why can't you rent that one? Okay, that's all I have to say. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,

Christie, KB Properties. Um, I know I spoke up here multiple times um, in regards to the same issue. I know I can be a hotthead and I know I can go and fly off a handle. Um, [snorts] I honestly am at a loss for words over the last three years. Um, I know my initial letter to the mayor was in 2023 and not long after Mr. slow got hit and almost died and lost his life um right before Christmas and was in the middle of the road while I blocked the road off so nobody would hit him while he's laying there. Um and I called him and I just stopped. Did don't even know the guy like that. Don't even know him like that. Um, but that was one of my main concerns at the time was how bad it already was getting in that intersection. And I would be more than happy. I have from the last three years so many videos and pictures and evidence just showing almost little kids being taken out. people the other day of a a grown man was walking across and a guy had no idea he just missed him. The guy went running down the road after the guy yelling, screaming, "You didn't see me. Nobody cares." And there's no I know I spoke with Chief Spencer yesterday. I know there's only so much in terms of parking that the city can enforce in terms of tickets. I understand that. I understand there's certain sides of the road and I know last year or the year

before they made it illegal to park on Todd's side on that corner of Northern Boulevard. Um, but ambulances, I have on film, um, plow trucks, everything being stuck and not being able to get through that intersection. Um, that's a huge liability. Um, so I guess after this weekend of literally having it on camera that a a kid and his girlfriend um are still threatening me to come back and blow up and blow me up. Um, I'm beyond speechless, I [laughter] guess. Um, I never thought I would be here in seven years to even have to tell you guys this or even have to defend a business that I pay taxes for that I put over a million dollars into this building that I don't have um to defend it while the guy across the street doesn't even own the property, doesn't pay taxes, and doesn't give a flying FUK. Um, and it's all over parking. Just to make it a little more clear, um, it has gone from obviously death threats, but when I do deny people parking, and we always start off nice. It's not like I'm sitting there going, "F you, Fu, get out of my lap." We always say, "Please do not park here." Um, but the towing is not working after three years because by the time they get there, of course, somebody moves. Um, and then I have to pay the service to bill of them just coming out there. Um, the parking lot attendants, I don't I whether everybody thinks we're millionaires or not, I don't have the money to pay somebody to stand there and to, you know, patrol my lot. Um, but not

only that, I've had tons of instances where I think the first one you guys are aware of or you're aware of of a guy taking a [ __ ] out in public on my property during daylight in front of children, in front of everybody because he was in line for six hours and he couldn't use the restroom. So now when I say no parking in my law, if somebody's mad at me, seeing as my building is open on Saturdays, they will come over when I'm not looking or if I'm cleaning certain areas of the building because it's got to be cleaned. They will ship in one of six toilets they'll find or more. And they will smother it everywhere as if there you go. Take that cuz I can't park there. Um, and just so everybody knows, I've truly tried everything. Any suggestion anybody has given me, I followed it through as much as I could. And now it's just like it's time for me to get the help and us to get the help of the city. We need the backing because nothing is going to change. And now I've been sued by his customers for falling when they didn't even fall. I have them on video. Eight grand for one lawyer just so I could prove that they didn't even belong here and they didn't fall. So, I'm at the point now where my only option is I'm going to start suing because I can't if I got to blow money on something that's not shouldn't even be my responsibility or shouldn't even be my issue, I'm going to start suing back. Um, [clears throat] but I need help. Um, we need we need backing because all the conversations I've had with this gentleman, he just says it's his customers and it's

not his responsibility. If one of my tenants or their customers was ever doing something like that, they'd either be evicted, right? Well, they'd be evicted. Um, if their customers were, they wouldn't be allowed back on the property. Um, actually these two kids, I do believe that they may get their hair done at the at the building and I said there's absolutely no way that they are coming anywhere near the property. So I guess liabilitywise it's safety in the road. It's safety of our lives which I think are pretty priceless. I don't I know I don't want to die and I'm not even 40 yet. Um, so I'm asking for help. I'm asking for some sort of resolution, some sort of idea, somewhere to start. So, I don't we don't have to keep doing this cuz I really I don't know. Crying every Saturday is not going to help it. Getting mad and and drawing my weapon is not going to help. Um, so I guess I'm just leaving it in your guys' hands [clears throat] and hoping that something can be done.

All righty. Thank you. Thank you, Dennis. Anyone [clears throat] else from the public like to speak this time?

Hello there. My name is Edwin Vasquez. I live on 92 Brookside. And uh I guess I'm here as a bit of a reprise to the last time I like opened up or I spoken up this candidly about things happening in Amsterdam. Um I was I did attend the public open house for the comprehensive plan and my overall feelings then pretty much are as uh concrete now and that's I am thoroughly disappointed in a large swath of the direction in which Amsterdam is heading and not so much you know the plans and the not so much like the plans and like the uh the the necessity of like implementing them overall. But my my all of my issues always come back to two major plot points and that's participation. Excuse me. That's uh participation and just access. um in during during the the the public open house that was uh it was made that the point was made that it's supposed to be like this grand plan of the next 10 years of like the direction of Amsterdam and quite frankly I was disappointed with how hard it was for me as just a regular individual the citizen of Amsterdam to be able to uh be in place to participate and have access to like my voice be, you know, reaching my voice being able to reach when and how it needs to. It's it's it's disappointing because I got I got lucky that day. like I'm speaking English right now and I like to think that I'm very eloquent and like to

you know by like I I like to uh express myself very very effectively but that's that's coming from like years of I just know English. I never really practiced English. I just knew it. And if I by some miracle didn't understand or speak English, I wouldn't be here right now. I wouldn't have been at the public open house last or two weeks ago. And it's that same feeling of how many times do I have to keep getting lucky in trying to express myself when like all I'm trying to do is just express myself. Like I I want to I want to just highlight the the concept of participation a little bit because I'm looking around and this is as I guess like as public as it can get. I don't see a lot of the people that I resonate with or like a lot of people that you know I would consider family or my friends. I'm like I would I look around and I would say that this room is pretty pretty barren. And I have a feeling that I know the reason why. And I spoke with um Mike over the phone not long ago about uh you know after the the public house. And it's the same situation of people that can't speak English can't participate. And if people can't participate, what progress and or direction can Amsterdam really be heading in if it's not including every single facet or every single, let's say, dimension of, you know, the the the excuse me, [clears throat] the public, the the the the people that are outside of these four walls. And yeah, I brought up the my my my disappointment that Yeah.

A lot of the stuff was just not just in English. The paperwork that was like the most of the bold the the the boards that we were that were set up for for comments, they were all in English. The paper that said the the the public open house, it was all in English. And I'd like to think that those are very important conversations that I would have liked to participate in and I would have just been out of luck if I didn't know something as simple as English. And that's what I want to like express my discontent with that it is so hard to participate in the like the the situations like this like where it's very important that uh my perspective so to speak gets you know uh my perspective gets acknowledged and I like to and I I'm disappointed with how easy it is to just overlook somebody's like desire to do something, desire to participate, desire to have access to all of the more complex, for lack of a better word, inner workings of Amsterdam. And like something as simple as like a public open house is is barring like a significant amount of people from participating just because they didn't have like open access to like simple like simple I guess it it's hard to put into words but that's what it keeps coming back to. It's hard to put into words how hard it is to participate in Amsterdam. And that's where like the the the the the core of like my my discomfort and my uh discontent is that I want to participate more in Amsterdam,

but like where like I've I've been through I've seen through Facebook like you know the all of the hashtags, all of the the you know I looked through some of the the the previous uh meetings and stuff like that and like Where's the the where's the the the [clears throat] representation? Where's the representation for people that may not know enough English or where's the representation or where's the the the comp not the compensation or the u I guess where's the synergy in Amsterdam overall like there's no there's so many barriers like linguistic barriers for sure but like there's so many participation barriers to get here that like I know I won't be able to summarize in like 5 minute like conversation here, but at the very least I do want to like bring up the or open up that conversation of are you really doing enough for the people of Amsterdam? Like what's missing in this picture right now? I could spend the rest of my time detailing it, but I think it's easier to just observe.

Thank you. Tell me one thing. Yes. What is missing? What's missing? Tell me one thing. What's missing? What's missing? I'm trying to follow you, but go ahead. The Spanish Spanish representation. Yes. The city. Yes. But that's just one step in like a much larger because like is that your main like for me? For me, like Spanish. Yes. But I can also tell that like there's probably some [clears throat] Asians that might have the same of course. Uh or some Italians that might have the same. You know, it it it's kind of

it kind of I would tell you that if you do have some suggestions for us accomplishing what you're accomplishing, put them down in writing and [clears throat] submit it to us. I'll be happy to share them with the council. We can discuss them in length, but it is it's difficult to answer questions and make your presentation. Please write it down. Yes,

we'll take a look at it. And I guess that is one of them like at the very least I wanted to know that like this like connection can be made of like oh okay now I can put my efforts into like putting something on paper down and then presenting it and like that that in and of itself is like this weird uh I guess another barrier of like access not so much like linguistic per se like for me like the Spanish is like important to me but that concept can be spread stretched out to just about any other language or discipline or quite frankly way of life to be honest. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. [clears throat]

Um get back to us. We did the clerk's report. Our controller is not here this evening. We did our engineering report. Is anyone else? I'm sorry. Else I'm sorry. Okay. All right. So, we have we've done these reports that I just went through and there is no old business, correct? No. So, we are on to new business. If we could read the resolutions. Resolution 2526-159, resolution adopting minutes from last council meeting by Alderwoman Collins. Thank you.

Okay. Alderwoman Collins. Hi Alderman Carpenter. Hi Alderman Marttoello. Hi Alderwoman Christo Mars. Hi Alderman Holidayiday. Hi. Resolution 2526-160. [clears throat] Resolution strongly urging immediate review of electric delivery charges demanding improved cost controls and transparency and authorizing formal complaints to the New York State Public Service Commission regarding the escalating cost of electricity by Alderman Carpenter. Whereas residents I I did we read the whole thing first up to you.

I before we read the whole thing first I'd like to make a motion to strike the be it further resolved on the first the last paragraph on the first page. We could [clears throat] strike that. So we vote on the amended resolution now. Let's vote on the motion. On the motion on the motion. That's what I meant. Okay. There's been a motion to amend the resolution. Can we vote on that call, please? Alderman Carpenter. [clears throat] Hi. Alderman Marticello. Hi. Alderwoman Chris Demar. Hi. Alderman Holiday. Hi. Alderwoman Collins. Hi. Thank you, Chris. [clears throat]

Whereas residents, seniors, and small businesses in the city of Amsterdam are experiencing unsustainable repeated and compounding increase in electric bills that are placing a growing financial strain on households and the local economy. And whereas a substantial portion of these increases is attributable not to increased energy consumption but to escalating [clears throat] delivery charges fees and approved rate adjustments imposed by NYG. And whereas electric delivery charges and rate structures are regulated and approved by the New York State Public Service Commission which is statutoily charged with it ensuring that utility rates are just, reasonable and affordable for rate payers. And whereas the common council has received numerous complaints from residents who are struggling to afford basic electric service and who have expressed serious concern regarding the frequency, magnitude, and lack of transparency surrounding recent and ongoing rate increases. And whereas rural and lowdensity communities such as the city of Amsterdam are disproportionately impacted by delivery charges increases, charge increases, and cost recovery mechanisms that fail to adequately account for affordability, equity, and the cumulative burden placed on rateayers. And whereas the common council finds that continued approval of rate increases without stronger cost controls, greater transparency, and meaningful affordability protections is unacceptable and contrary to the public interest. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Common Council of the City of Amsterdam formally and strongly urges the New York State Public Service Commission to conduct a thorough and immediate review of electric delivery charge charges, rate increases, and cost recovery practices applicable to NISA customers. And be it further resolved that the common council of the city of Amsterdam

upon the public service commission to prioritize rateayer affordability demand greater transparency from NYAC and require de demonstrable cross containment and operational efficiency measures for approving any future rate increases. And be it further resolved that the common council of the city of Amsterdam expressly opposes continued or automatic rate increases that shift rising operational infrastructure and administrative costs onto rateayers without clear justification or adequate protection for rural communities. And be it further resolved that the city clerk is directed to transmit copies of this resolution to the New York State Public Service Commission, NYG, the governor of New York State, members of the New York State Legislature, and neighboring municipalities served by NYG, and to encourage coordinate coordinated action among effective municipalities. And be it further resolved that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. Thank you. Any questions? Call the roll, please.

Alderman Carpenter, hi. Alderman Martisello, hi. Alderwoman Customar. Hi. Alderman Holiday. Hi. Alderwoman Collins. Hi. Thank you. Thank you. Resolution [clears throat] number 2526-161. Resolution authorizing request for proposals for concessionire services at Veterans Park by Alderman Holiday. That's good. Yeah. Yeah. Um, any questions, guys? Pretty straightforward. We spoke about this in the cow. Thank you. Uh we can call the role. Alderman Holiday. Hi. Alderwoman Collins. Hi. Alderman Carpenter. Hi. Alderman Mortisella. Hi. Alderwoman Quistar. Hi.

Resolution number 2526-162. Resolution referring the 2026 comprehensive plan update to the city planning commission and Montgomery County Planning Board and declaring intent to act as a lead agency under seeker by alderwoman Collins. Okay, go down to the now therefore.

Now therefore, be it resolved that the common council hereby defers the draft 2026 comprehensive plan update to the city of Amsterdam planning commission and the Montgomery County Planning Board for their review and recommendations. And be it further resolved that the common council declares its intent to serve as lead agency for the seeker review of this action and authorizes the circulation of a notice of intent to act as a lead agency to all involved agencies. And be it further resolved that the city clerk is directed to submit the plan to the respective planning bodies and initiate the required 30-day review period. So move. Alderwoman Collins. Hi, Alderman Carpenter.

Hi, Alderman Marcella. Hi, Alderwoman Quistamar. Hi, Alderman Holiday. Hi. Resolution 2526-163. Resolution approving audit by Alderwoman Collins. The order is fine. Any questions? Call the vote. Alderwoman Collins. Hi. Alderman Carpenter. Hi. Alderman Martisello. Hi. Alderwoman Christo. Hi. Alderman Holidayiday. Hi. Resolution number 2526-164 consent resolution budget transfer clerk's office computer by Alderman Martisello. U [clears throat] just read the last whereas cost

whereas the city clerk's budget has enough funds to cover the $1,419.38 cost. However, a transfer is necessary to move the funds from contractual expense line to the equipment line so the purchase can be made from the appropriate budget line. Thank you. Any discussion? Call the roll, please. Alderman Martisello. Hi. Alderwoman Quam Mars. Hi. Alderman Holiday. Hi. Alderwoman Collins. Hi. Alderman Carpenter. Hi.

Okay. So, tomorrow night at 6 o'clock at Central Civic, we have that meeting for the the project to uh rep four o'clock. Excuse me. Don't show up at 6. It'll be over by then. [laughter] uh to the repaving [snorts] of Main Street. Um right, Dan, you want to? Yeah, that's that's we're just going to go over what the signs are for East Main Street for the next few years. Great. All right, that is it. I have nothing else. Motion to adjourn. Alderman Carpenter. Hi. Alderman Martisello. Hi. Alderwoman Quar. Hi. Alderman Holiday. Hi. Alderwoman Collins.

Hi. Thank you very much, council.