Common Council - Regular Meeting

RESOLUTION NUMBER ONE. NEW SPEAKERS.

NEW SPEAKERS. NEW SPEAKERS. NEW SPEAKERS. NEW SPEAKERS.

NEW SPEAKERS.

NEW SPEAKERS. NEW SPEAKERS. NEW SPEAKERS. NEW SPEAKERS. NEW SPEAKERS. NEW SPEAKERS. NEW SPEAKERS. NEW SPEAKERS.

NEW SPEAKERS.

NEW SPEAKERS. NEW SPEAKERS. NEW SPEAKERS.

resolution for adopting yeah there's nothing to talk about there right i don't know i don't have that covered okay this is mine so we called it to order and we're reviewing the agenda of items okay 2526-192. RESOLUTION OF ADOPTING MINUTES FROM THE LAST COMMON COUNCIL MEETING.

ANY QUESTIONS?

NO. RESOLUTION 2526.193. RESOLUTION ADOPTING MINUTES FROM PUBLIC HEARING AND SPECIAL COMMON COUNCIL MEETING. The minutes of the public hearing and coming council meeting of May 12, 2026 are hereby adopted. Resolution 2526.194. Resolution establishing June as Public Safety Heroes Month in the City of Amsterdam. Sponsored by Alderman Collins and Alderman Holliday. Alderman Holliday, would you like to speak about this?

Sure, of course. This is the second year that we're going to be doing this, and hopefully it's... the second year of many to come. We are going to get some flags for you gentlemen over there. So hopefully we can fly them over at the stations. And I would like to speak with the council at some point about doing something special for them, whether it's a small get together or something like that. Maybe we can have Ashley come do a little something, story about it. But as far as I'm concerned, that's it. But all in all, it's just a way to THANK THE FIRST RESPONDERS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREFIGHTERS IN OUR CITY. YEAH, THANK YOU.

THANK YOU. RESOLUTION 25-26-195, THE RESOLUTION 2025-26 BUDGET TRANSFERS ON QUALITY BONDS.

LOUISE, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPEAK ON THIS? YEP.

WE HAD TAKEN OUR MONEY.

for our LED streetlight project, and we received a reimbursement from the state a little quicker than we were expecting. So we want to call in the band, pay down the portion that we received. This was a budgeted payment. It's going to be a budgeted payment in the next year's budget of over $100,000. So by doing this now, we can reduce the interest in next year's budget to about 52,000, or excuse me, we can eliminate 52,000 from next year's budget, and we're gonna pay it in the current year. Okay, and that will save us an additional 52,000. I'm sorry, did not explain that very smoothly, but it's a good thing. Any questions?

But you did say that we got the 1.1 million faster than we expected. I don't believe that. Yeah.

We did.

That's cool. No, I'm saying we've waited for $1.1 million for a long time.

That is shockingly fast, comparative to the other grants. OK. All right. I'm fine with that.

Resolution 2526-196, resolution in support of New York State Assembly bill number A11247 relating to the establishment of a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Amsterdam. It's been introduced in both houses now and we have a bill number each house wants and

A RESOLUTION FROM THE CITY SUPPORTING THE BILL EXPRESSLY CITING THE BILL NUMBER, ET CETERA. SO THIS IS JUST CONSISTENT WITH PRIOR LEGISLATION THAT WE PASSED REGARDING SPEECH OKAY AND DEMONSTRATION.

THESE ARE BEING SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED BY OUR STATE SENATOR AND OUR STATE ASSEMBLY. SO WE HAVE TO PASS THESE IN ORDER TO MOVE THAT PROCESS FORWARD. OKAY.

RESOLUTION 2526-197. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE NEW YORK STATE SENATE BILL NUMBER S10196, RELATED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SCHOOL ZONE CAMERA DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.

IT'S JUST THE SENATE. OKAY.

RESOLUTION 2526198, RESOLUTION ALTERNATING SALE OF 241 MAIN STREET UPON ACCOMMODATION TO SOUTHERN TIER ENVIRONMENTS FOR LIVING INK. ALTERNATING SALE.

OKAY. THE CURRENT ORDER OF 241 EAST MAIN STREET, OKAY, IS FAIL TO PAY THEIR TAXES. SO WE ARE GOING TO FORECLOSE AND TAKE OVER THE PROPERTY. AND IN DOING SO, THERE'S A PROJECT THAT'S IN THE WORKINGS, AND I'LL LET THE MAYOR TALK ABOUT THAT.

IT SAYS... WE HAVE A DEVELOPER WHO IS VERY INTERESTED IN BUILDING A PROJECT VERY SIMILAR TO DEFAULT. which has been a big success on East Main Street and happens to be what building is probably right next to DePaul. They are putting together a package. They are approaching the owners of all these properties. They want to secure the properties necessary to submit an application for this project to the state. This is one of the properties that they need to acquire.

It's located between Borey Street and John Street, and it's the big one. Spanish food stories a big red look red brick building or the blaze it used to be located or some rare drug use relocated and it's really it's in Deplorable condition to say the least. Okay, except for the Spanish Grocery store the rest of the place is terrible, but he's going to take those buildings. We're going to take them over We'll have another project like the veteran burner farmer increase the area and the aesthetics of

Is the grocery store part of that building?

No, the grocery store is a separate building. But one of the interesting, very attractive things of this is that this developer has approached the grocery store to include him inside the project so that he would be able to run a bodega as part of the project. And it's very, very exciting for him.

How do we circumvent are we circumventing the having to go to auction rules, or is this going to the land bank? How are we able to sell this directly after foreclosing?

Well, Tony, you want to speak to that? Well, first, we're contemplating a 19A or 19B proceeding because it's going to be faster in the foreclosure process. And there's nothing prohibiting, nothing under the law that prohibits a direct sale. This is most similar It's not apples to apples, but with respect to the lower mill complex parcel, we last year passed a resolution signing the right to foreclose on that deal. So it was structured a little bit differently, but it's the same type of thing, same concept with some variation.

This is the only building in the plan for which there is no owner willing to sell it Everything else is in good standing. Taxes are paid. They've approached them. They're interested in the project. They're interested in selling the property. So this is the one piece where we would have to take an action to secure ownership of the property. And it's in foreclosure. I mean, it's not like it's anybody's fault. So it's a great, I mean, it was a very, everybody knows DePaul, everybody knows the types of services, the support services that DePaul offers the tenants of that building. This is almost an exact replica of it. And this is, you know, it would be a really, really great thing for that block at East End, which is probably... Chief, I'll tell you how many times you've been in that building for code reports. Yeah, no, it's a really exciting thing. So this is something they need to move forward with that project, so. I WHOLEHEARTLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU ENDORSE IT. 540 WE HAVE. PUBLIC HEARING.

GOOD CALL. SO PUBLIC HEARING WHICH IS ORDINANCE D OF 2026 TO BE KNOWN AS ORDINANCE NUMBER 4 OF 2026

an ordinance modifying section 73-4A9 of the Amsterdam City Code so as to prohibit dogs in certain areas of public and recreational areas.

I'll open the public hearing. Is there anyone from the public who would like to speak on this? Can you tell us a little bit?

Can you tell us what exactly all this means?

I could do it if it's okay because I'm sponsoring it. Tony, what do you think? Go ahead. Okay. So essentially, it's just going to prohibit dogs from going on to, leashed or not, on to athletic fields within the city limits. So just to be completely clear, there's still a great amount of space for dogs to take walks and run and play. We are a pro-dog city, but we just want to mitigate any potential hygienic issues that we could run into with our youth athletes playing on sports fields that might run into some, let's say, unwanted business left behind by dogs on the fields.

Yeah, I thought that was a good idea. I thought you brought that up at the last time.

We did, but now it's to be adopted today.

Oh, all right.

Yeah. So it's kind of like everyone has a chance if they wanted to speak on it.

Okay.

Good job, Rich.

Is there anyone else who would like to speak on that topic?

RESOLUTION 2526-199, RESOLUTION TRANSFERRING FUNDS FOR DPW GARAGE CAPITAL PROJECT, HOLDERMAN MARTISEL.

OKAY. SO WE'RE EXPORTING OPTIONS TO REPLACE THE OLD BUS GARAGE DOWN THERE, AND WE'RE HAVING AN EXPENSE OF $9,334. SO WHAT WE'RE GOING TO DO IS WE'RE JUST GOING TO KEEP ALL EXPENSE ASSOCIATED WITH DPW GARAGE, AND WE'RE JUST GOING TO TAKE THE MONEY FOR THE CONTENTIVE FUND AND OFFSET THIS.

OK. RESOLUTION 2526-200, RESOLUTION DECLARING A SECRET NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND APPROVING THE CITY OF ANTIDAME 2026 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE. MAYOR, WOULD YOU LIKE TO COMMENT?

Mayor Weill, Dan Gray here.

Mayor So this is our comprehensive plan.

We've gone through the public process, and we're ready to declare a negative declaration and pass resolutions for it. OK. Any questions?

Thanks, Dan.

We've talked about the California. Any other questions? OK. Thank you. Thanks, Dan.

Resolution 2526-201, resolution authorizing purchase of record management software and hardware.

OK. This will be for Chief Spencer to address.

Yeah, our records management system at the PD is outdated. It's 27 years old. So we have to buy a new modern one. It's expensive, and there's an ongoing cost for that software now. Everything is cloud-based. And along with that, we need new computers in the patrol cars to run the new software. So this will be new hardware for the patrol cars to make them internet-enabled.

They can run the software, and then this will also...

cover the build of the software in the first year of subscription.

This is money that is from federal seizure money. Correct. It's pretty awesome.

That was my question.

Sweet.

Could you explain, Chief, a little bit about the records management process in terms of what sort of records?

So everything, every call that comes into the station gets billed the number, it's a call for service. Any interaction we have with a person, a vehicle, a place, that's how we build our investigative banking information. We can quote, you know, run someone through the system. That's what the records management system is. So our local records of every police dealing we've had, currently our records go back to 1999 with our current impact system. So this is, impact is, the company has been bought out many times over. They don't make their software anymore. So we're moving on with a new one with a, could you just give an example of a productivity improvement that would result you'll have the officers now they'll have to be able to do their reports from the car they won't have to return to the station to type anything and also while they're in a report like i said they take a larceny complaint from a certain store they'll be able to look at the history of that store history of a person in the city develop a suspect right from their vehicle all that information right there so it's going to cut down on a lot of time they have to back to headquarters to do an investigation or to type in information, and also to do it in real time. So as the desk officer or the dispatcher is getting information from the caller, as they're putting it into the case, it's going to pop up on the screen for the officer right in real time. Both of them can work on it on the same time, which is something we currently can't do.

Supervisors, I don't have to say.

I hate to interrupt you, but we're just going to do our focus. It'd be a lot quicker.

public hearing for local law a of 2026 to be known as local law one of 2026 if adopted a local law extending a temporary moratorium on the submission and processing of building permits certificates of occupancy certificates of use and land use approval for the industrial solar and battery storage systems in the city of amsterdam

OKAY WE'LL DECLARE THAT MEETING OPEN IS THERE ANYONE HERE WHO WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THAT PLEASE COME TO THE PODIUM STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS AND FIVE MINUTES GOOD EVENING JOHN HERN FROM THE WALK-IN WITH COUCH WHITE I'M HERE ON BEHALF OF MARESCO I SUBMITTED A LETTER TO THE COUNCIL LAST WEEK SO I'M NOT GOING TO GET INTO ALL THE NEEDLE DETAILS OF THE LETTER BUT JUST SOME OF THE HIGH TOPIC ITEMS ALTHOUGH I HAVEN'T SEEN IT IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE COUNCIL'S prepared to do is to consider adoption of a moratorium that they enacted back in December of 25, further extending that another six months. So, again, I haven't seen this version, but I believe it's also going to include solar and not just battery storage. It's my understanding, watching the Council's videos and reviewing minutes, that the Council did not have any concern THE NEW TECHNOLOGY AND BETTER UNDERSTANDING THAT AND PROVIDING A FRAMEWORK TO BETTER GOVERNMENT.

IT'S ALSO MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE COUNCIL AND THE CITY HASN'T TAKEN ANY ACTION WITH RESPECT TO A NEW ZONING OR FORMING ANY COMMITTEES WITH RESPECT TO THE MORE POINT. SO IN MY INTERPRETATION OF THE LAW, SOLUTIONS SHOULD NOT OR SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. THEY DO NOT PLAN ON UPDATING THE ZONING FOR SOLAR, SO WE DON'T BELIEVE THAT SOLAR FACILITIES SHOULD BE INCLUDED INTO THE MORATORIUM TEST. OTHER THAN THAT, I'LL SAY EVERYONE SOME TIMES.

MY LETTER IS A LITTLE MORE DETAILED, BUT I THINK YOU TAKE TIME.

NEW SPEAKER THANK YOU.

NEW SPEAKER ANYONE ELSE LIKE TO SPEAK?

Good evening, Mr. Mayor, Attorney Casale, members of the Common Council. My name is Arlene Brodsky. I'm here with my husband, Janusz Brodsky, with an address of 11 Vanderveer Street, Amsterdam. I'm here to ask that you separate solar from battery storage. The two are completely different. Solar is clean energy. We are working with Amoresco to establish a solar array on Queen Anne Road and would appreciate a moratorium be released and permitting be allowed for a solar array, which again is clean energy. I appreciate your consideration. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Thank you, ma'am.

My name is Joe Steven Graves. I work with Carson Power. I'm not here for solar, but I'm specifically here for battery storage. So we are developing a 12 and a half megawatt project on Edson Street. My predecessor, Sean, I believe I've reached out to a number of folks, and Sean has a certain way, and I apologize if he was a little persistent. But What I wanted to come here and say is the moratorium, it's clear from watching the videos, the council is not, at least for the battery storage, in a position to pass any type of law. There's not enough information here. Typically with battery storage, it's a fear for the constituents. That's really causing, you know, whether it's moratoriums, bans, what have you.

I respect the fear, understanding, and I think Education is the thing that breaks through.

So while my predecessor did try to reach out to a couple members here and educate, I wanted to come here and do it personally from the whole council. So I'll give you a few seconds here. Here are the facts. Here, you know, we're going to hear a lot, there's fires. These things catch on fire and you're not safe. Facts, there's been three high-profile fires in New York and they're not good. What came out of those was a standing working group The 2025 battery code in the fire code is now the most strenuous in the country. And what it specifically does, that wasn't here before, is rigorous testing on the materials manufacturers going in. But more importantly, for our first responders, 15 minutes, someone's going to be on the phone with them if there's an incident. Four hours, and much usually shorter than that, they're going to be on site and yearly training to our first responders on the time of the owner operator. Contamination. You know, I live 10 feet away. I live 100 feet away. No matter what that distance is, there's fear of contamination of the air and the soil and the water. Now, Warwick, New York, you know, we never want to see an incident, but the great thing that came out of that was testing that's publicly available on their site, saying if you are within 10 feet of that system, which in Warwick was a smoldering trash can. Didn't even send fire apparatus out. But if you're within 10 feet, there is no hazardous level in the air of anything you're breathing in. specifically nothing's been tested in the ground or soil that is above standard levels and in this project specifically would be 700 feet from the local residents in the industrial area you know renewables you know that gets caught up in the political zeitgeist i think it was mentioned here the one difference in storage we're agnostic whether it's nuclear coal solar we're just taking energy from the grid And it's going to be local. It's getting pumped back into the local substations and not going to New York. Services. It's going to be a drain on our services. No water going. No electricity. The element's getting pumped out. Fire and ETA are not submittable. And specifically, the benefits that come for the lack of services that are needed. Immediate increase to your tax base. And for a project our size, a host community benefit agreement, upwards of $1 million. to revitalize a vacant and underutilized parcel, not utilizing more than an acre of land. So I urge the council to extend the moratorium on bus. Like, please. But not just for the sake of extending it. Educate. Because I believe, you know, we've offered to the chief, I think, earlier today, we sent an email out, we're happy to do fire and EMS training. We're happy to have a community meeting of the fourth ward. We're happy to talk more with the council. I think Council here, actually, Mr. Casale, offered to push this to a committee.

Well, section 15, two-year code has standing committees just for this. We're happy to do a presentation. At the end of the day, the benefits don't outweigh the cost, so be it. But I just want to open it up for a resource from Carson Power and anyone in our network that can be utilized to bring some education.

Talk both about the benefits and the risks. So I thank you for your time, and I'll be here if anyone would like to talk after the meeting. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Anyone else like to speak? Okay, thank you, everybody. It is now 5-0. We can just continue. Joe, do you have anything more that you wanted to say about it? No. I just want to say that, you know, it is a, it'll be a tremendous improvement for our police force. The funding of it, of course, coming from the, what do you call them again? The federal seizure. The federal seizure funds is another great thing. So I'm hoping to cancel.

We did our budget meeting with Marvin from IT yesterday, and he talked a lot about the enhancements that are happening in public safety. It's really great, and I know that he's also been acting as your help desk to save money as well. We've got a very comprehensive technology plan, so spending $200,000 is a ton of money, but I know that it's being utilized in the best possible way because Marvin is tough notch. Thank you.

I agree 100%.

We have one more public hearing.

Okay. Let me continue.

Let me continue with the record. 25, 26. We've got to start getting the public hearing. We have to start getting the public hearing.

We don't have time to discuss it.

Okay. You ready? 10 seconds.

This is a public hearing for the adoption of the updated city mainstream representative plan.

I'm going to call that public hearing to order. Is there anyone who would like to speak on the comprehensive plan? Are you talking about the budget?

No.

All right. We're talking about the comprehensive plan for the city of Amsterdam. which has not been done since 2003. We're replacing it with a new plan.

We had the budget hearing last week.

Budget hearing was last week.

But we haven't passed it yet. We're still working on it.

You could come tomorrow at 4.30 if you want, though.

Is there anyone who's here to speak on the comp plan? No. Okay, then we'll call that hearing to a close. Thank you.

We can continue the count until it's over.

2526-202 resolution transfer funds for the corrosion control engineering expenses.

There was a receipt that wasn't paid during for the 2024-25 corrosion control project. We need to make a water fund contingency transfer of $2,048. Interfund Transfer Capital Fund, same amount, $2,048. And then we need to increase the expense for the corrosion control expenditure, same amount. And the Interfund Transfer Water Fund, but why is that $2,058? That might be a typo. It's probably a typo.

Can we make an amendment to change that?

We need to amend the amendment.

We don't need to? No.

RESOLUTION 2526203 RESOLUTION TRANSFERRING FUNDS WATER PLANT HVAC COSTS WATER TREATMENT PLANT HAS MAJORITY OF HVAC REPAIR TO REPLACE WITHIN THE PAST 12 MONTHS THE COST OF THE COST EXPANDED ALL PLANT SERVICE CONTRACTUAL LINE For the anticipated cost of $87,000, we need to decrease the contingency fund by $87,000 and increase the plant service and contractual line by $87,000. Is that all done now, Michael? It's down on the wire. Okay.

Resolution 2526204, resolution approving the audit. The audit is fine. Did we talk about Ordinance F?

Did we talk about Ordinance F introduction? I apologize, I was late. Keep going past the ordinances that we're voting on.

Ordinance F? Yep. It's an ordinance modifying Chapter 250 of the Amsterdam City Code by myself and Alderman Collins. This has to do with signs within the city limits of Amsterdam. all sorts of temporary signs in the city of Amsterdam, regardless of the topic. And as we've come across in the last couple of years, as signs have become more prevalent and more of a topic, we've seen where our code has been lacking and where it has some inconsistencies. So we put together a little group with Chief Agresta, Attorney Casali, and looked at the code and found we're making some modifications that include, that bring everything under the same umbrella. So one issue was that there were different rules for different types of signs, and we found, well, Attorney Salivan, that is a First Amendment violation. We can't say, like, oh, political signs can do this, but non-profit signs can do that, but your kid graduating from high school is something different. So it's all the same. So that has been, that's the main piece. And also, If you notice, driving around town, signs on telephone poles. We had signs attached to stop signs last fall, like zip ties to them. And then down in my neighborhood, the Rockton Y, there's that fence that had just signs everywhere littered, most of them obsolete. So the chiefs went out and took them all down and returned the ones to the owners that they needed to. And I think we've seen a lot less clutter and a lot less mess. So that is the goal. And so pretty much, to sum it all up, signs can be on private property, 10 feet back from the roads, kind of out of the line of sight for the drivers where it might block view. And so if we do that consistently and we give everyone the same rules, we think we'll keep the city clear and clutter-free, all those things. triangles and spots, like the bottom of North Hampton, over by Locust, they've all been clear signs and it's been really good for visibility. That's what we're putting out there today. I don't know if the Chief wants to jump in or Attorney Casale.

I have a question. What about the signs? Can we keep talking about this? I just had a question because I have seen flags that have a lot of profanity on them. You know, somebody. And how is that going to work on private property? I don't want to say that.

So what's obscene to you is not necessarily obscene to your neighbor. And we have First Amendment rules and I don't disagree with anything that Alderman Quistamar said, but just to say the same thing a little bit differently, what this legislation is intended to do is remove all instances of content-based regulations pertaining to science. We can't regulate based upon the content of the message. You can regulate based upon where it's going to be displayed, sizing, illumination, but not the messaging.

Obscenities included. You can say anything you want to say.

But it's on private property, so you own it. Like, if you want to say something, I mean, it's in your front yard.

Yeah, you can say whatever you want about it. Anybody you want to say it about.

Unless it's slanderous. That's kind of what I'm asking. In terms of First Amendment rights, right, they can put up whatever messaging they want. We cannot regulate the contract period. There are some instances that you're getting into hypothetical scenarios where that certain signage may be actionable to other people, right? Now, you're the mayor, so if someone posts a colorful message about you as a public official, there may not be the same consequences to someone that posts a call for message about their next-door neighbor where it may be actionable, right? But whether it's actionable or not, that would be a private call to action.

Well, I'm just concerned about obscenity and exposure to children. That's the only thing I'm concerned about.

We cannot. I didn't read this real quickly. Two things. Is there a penalty involved in here, and who's going to enforce this?

It's enforced by codes.

Correct.

And... There are penalties, like the typical ones.

$250, I think.

He's been in existence forever. There's no change to the penalty structure of the violation. Yeah.

So if you're going to call somebody, call the Coast Department. And there's a penalty that goes along with it? That's correct.

So there's been no real changes to what the previous one said other than the consistency. And then It also just, we're enforcing it more. But there'll be no signs posted on public property. There'll be no signs posted on public property.

Okay, so the side of the road where they go and put them on the side of the road, like use, that's an asphalt company.

Those are no longer allowed.

Those are no longer allowed. But you will see them in the town. You will see them perhaps on state property.

You can, if you're that company, go to someone and say, can I put your sign on the lawn? If they say yes, they're allowed.

So we also have a code. That's Chapter 64 of our city charter with Article 3 specifically advertising, which is more or less what you're speaking about with the small sign. But even in this, the temporary signs, it does have it while work is being performed, and then it must be removed 15 days after work is completed. It can be posted while business is going on. Interesting.

All right, everyone. All right, let's call the meeting to order, please. Let's stand for the program.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Alderman Christa Myers? Here. Alderman Halliday?

Here.

Alderman Fetalins? Here. Alderman Carpenter? Here. Alderman Marticella? Here. Can we get a motion to adopt the agenda, please?

Open to adopt the agenda with 13 resolutions, one ordinance to be voted upon, one ordinance introduction, and one local law to be voted upon.

Alderman Hollins. Aye. Alderman Carpenter. Aye. Alderman Marcello. Aye. Alderman Krista Mars. Aye. Alderman Holiday.

Aye. Okay, I have no proclamations for this evening, or communications and presentations. This would be the public participation section of the meeting, where any member of the public can speak for five minutes on any topic you choose. If you'd like to speak on a topic, please come to the podium, state your name and address, and you'll have five minutes to stay here.

John R. Chetwood, Florida, 18 Austin Street. I think that's a good idea, Kelly, you brought up. A week before Easter, I go to Crossroads, and I put a sign up at that island that's a little past Knauskies, across from Knauskies. And a week later, it was gone.

And I can remember other signs that were there, like Brooks Barbecue, you couldn't even see. And that area, anybody put signs up there, and you really can't see.

But it was pretty low to the ground, but somebody took it.

You know, it's one of those things, but there's just too many signs that were in that area. Now, I told you before, I have a solar farm. I believe in that. But all these problems, some of the things that I've been watching, you know, either on other political meetings, New York State Assembly, New York State Senate, or the History Channel or Science Channel or whatever,

I think that people ought to be concerned about the battery storage.

But I think that really has to do with the fire department because a lot of the fire departments weren't happy with the solar panels on people's roofs and made it harder for them to fight a fire. And I think they may have some trouble with this battery storage because of the problems if it catches on fire. You kind of wonder whether or not we really need this in Amsterdam, in our area. As you know, Mayor, a lot of places are fighting for having solar farms and wind turbines put up and stuff taking a lot of the land away from the farmers and like that. So I think it's something that we should wait and really do our homework on that and not rush and really get the assistance of the fire department to see whether these things are good for the area or not. And like that. Now, I was here earlier because I thought I was going to really talk about the budget, but I'd like to bring up a couple of things. I still believe I can water meters. I believe, like, later on, we're going to have 90-degree weather, and people will be watering their lawns at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. And we can't take water for granted, Mayor. And I think that, you know, water meters might be good. As you know, a national grid, when you get electric or gas, you can monitor that. I think people waste water because we don't have water meters, so they don't... They don't care. And I think that would be a good thing. Earlier, I don't know if anybody here plays golf or anything, but I mean, we bring this up every year. The golf, we seem to be losing money on that. Some people think we should have a right to vote on that, whether we should sell it or not. We've got a situation that only a few people actually golf. I don't know a doggone thing about golf, but I mean, you know, but as a taxpayer, We're footing a bill for that. Maybe an outside, if we sold that, maybe we can get $5 million or so for that. That would actually help the taxpayer overall. And then we could wash our hands of this situation and then have somebody else come in because it's a losing situation, it seems to me, like this golf here that's brought up every year and more and more problems. So, you know, but... You know, we got to vote today on the school board today. You know, we can't vote for the city or the county. So, I mean, you know, you say a few things and you people will make the final decisions regardless. And that's it like that. I wish we could have more of a say as far as the city's concerned, but that's not the way that it is. But we'll have to have some... I looked around Friday. I couldn't believe all the people that were going over waiting to get some food.

I couldn't believe it. I went to the post office Friday.

So we know people are hitting the pits over here and they have a lot of problems. But it's up to you to try to correct the problems or so. Keep on taking, taking, taking. We're not going to have much of a city. Thank you very much. Okay.

Anyone else in the bank, please let us speak. Thank you.

My name is Shane Hapes. I live at 287 Mohawk Drive, Fonda, New York. I'm coming to question. There was a cancellation of a softball league this year. Who's the liaison for recreation?

Me and Kelly.

Do you know anything about this being canceled? Can you elaborate a little more? Well, the league was just canceled this year.

The whole league was canceled?

The league was canceled, yes.

There was an email. No. No, I'm smiling because I didn't know.

Yeah. The league was canceled probably three weeks ago. Okay. For the reason that they're going to be doing work at the middle school again, where they just did all the four diamonds over. How many years ago was that? They redid the four diamonds over. Now it's all fenced in. It's The fields are in great shape, the best shape they've probably ever been in since I played ball. I don't play ball anymore, but I'm here to speak about why this league was canceled. Is there any kind of recreation commission meetings that you have or anything? We do, yeah. You do? And this hasn't been discussed?

Not to, like, Kelly, am I wrong when I say no?

No, that meeting was mostly on soccer, right?

Yeah, it was. Yeah, it's going to be something that I'll look into.

Yeah, it's not an expression time, but we can sort of look into it.

I just wanted to make sure you were taken care of. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Have you spoken to Ralph Stagnola?

No. No, there was just a cancellation, and I'm just wondering what is going on. Of the entire league. The reason is because the league was canceled. They play on one field a night. They play at the 49ers for years. There used to be fields.

Shane, we don't have a field. We don't. We don't have a field. We were told that we could not use the softball fields that we don't own, that are owned by the school district. We are looking for an alternative. Okay. We've done it today. We are trying to find an answer. I am personally very upset that the softball season is being canceled. We're trying to avoid that. We hope that by next week at this time, we have an alternative. I'm not promising you anything, but we won't stop working until we try to find an alternative. But we have no place to have the league play safely.

Okay. I didn't. They played at Techler School when they had the construction. What is the problem with Techler?

There's been a pavilion built in Techler, which includes a shading. It's all based in concrete. It's a beautiful little sitting area that is 225 feet from home plate and left field. somebody's gonna get killed if we put it there, and we can't tear that pavilion out. Plus, Techler is planning on putting a parking lot in, and they're hoping to start this summer. So that's the problem there. Okay, what about the backfield up at the high school? The backfield up at the high school is what we're looking at right now. However, there's a project planned for the high school fields. And if that project starts this year, I'm not sure. That's the one thing we'll find out by next Tuesday. We've been told by the high school that there is a backstop there. It needs to be cleared out. We need to cut in a field. We have to wait until tomorrow to find out if the referendum to start the process of redoing all the big fields that are building a brand new softball complex. The vote on that depends upon will depend on how we can do with that other property. So I can't answer you now. So tomorrow they'll know about what is going on. Well, we'll know if that project has been approved or failed, and then the superintendent will be asked, can we cut into that field and make it our softball field for the summer? Okay. If we can do that, that's our answer.

Okay. Up at Curry side also, there are two fields up on the side. Now, they have taken the back stops down. Now, probably 10 years ago, Donna Palczak was on the Reparation Commission, and she said that our money would stay in the softball league. She said they weren't going to take the money like they used to do. You're the controller, right? Do you have a line for softball? Is there any money line of money that was in somewhere or kept? I believe so. You do? I do believe so, yes. Do you know how much money would be in that?

The format is not Q&A.

And we can't. This is such a bad precedent.

Alright, very good.

Alright, thank you. Who do I call? Do I call your office? Do I call your office to see you? Can I come and see you?

Okay, alright, thank you. Thank you very much. Have a good night. Thank you, sir. Alright, anyone else for the vote? I'd like to speak.

Christian Rivera, Amsterdam, New York. The microphone and camera must be fixed so people can hear the speakers on the recorded version. It's terrible audio and the camera's never focused on the correct people. That issue needs to be fixed. I wanna urge people to vote no on school board prop four. There's still time, you can still do it. They're open till nine because it is a destruction forested land, a criminal giveaway which will destroy the character of the school and ecology of the community. Listen to what I have to say, and if you have not voted, then go out and vote against Prop 4, all the props, and all the incumbent school board members. The main topic I want to talk about today is destruction and loss of forested land and trees in and around the city of Amsterdam. And I'll suggest what we the people should do about it. Let me give you an overarching fact. According to HUD, there are approximately 18 million empty homes in the USA and about 800,000 homeless people in the US. That means there is 23 times more homes than there are homeless people, 23 times more. Let me state the obvious, you're losing forested land and trees due to one, the Amsterdam school board, two, forest destroyers who call themselves developers and who never have enough money. Three, individual landowners. And four, politicians who facilitate the loss of forested lands. It's impossible to ignore the fact that the Amsterdam School Board is the worst offender in forest destruction, that they have given away the vacant school in Sassathras Forest to an LLC for pennies, and now want to do the same forest destruction, criminal destruction giveaway at Curry Elementary School. They're giving away public land for no justifiable reason. This giveaway has been led by school board presidents Kedmick Hurd, Nellie Bush, Member Joe Dittata. These people should be sent packing. Other places in Amsterdam which are seeing forest destruction are on George Street, the Mall, Second Avenue, and many other places throughout the city.

People are just not respecting the trees.

We the people have a common interest in opposing this destruction on Second Avenue, which has degraded the environment for all of us. The area was frequented by many people. Now it's destroyed, but should be recouped. What we should do is immediately demand a cessation of destruction on Second Avenue. We should do it here at this body, at the planning and zoning boards, and online. We should demand a moratorium on new housing development per year until we, that is the mayor, council, and public felt regulations which protect forested land and trees and stop any subdivisions of land which seem to skirt new planning and zoning ordinances. The city charter lacks any of these or other provisions relating to protection or promotion of trees or forested lands. I saw none. I see none, there is none. Let me give the mayor and council a warning. Let me give you a warning. When the people see the forest and trees being chopped down, So destruction profiteers can make more money, even though there's all kinds of empty lots. And we see you showing up in safety helmet and shovel photo ops. It becomes clearer than ever that you are promoting destruction in the case of the mayor or sitting by and do nothing and being rubber stamped in the case of the council. We know that opportunists like Angelo Santa Barbara, who used city schools from a war to elementary school children so he can get reelected, and the destruction profiteers only see this city as a photo op, a moneymaker, and think that their collective photo will somehow intimidate or fool us. We know that these destruction photo ops are almost all invariably against our interests and welfare, but for the already wealthy's pockets. This forest destruction is an issue which can and should, unless reversed course, lead to your dismissal WHETHER MAYOR, COUNCIL, LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL POLITICIANS.

THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE? OKAY. THEN WE CAN MOVE ON WITH THE AGENDA. THANK YOU, EVERYONE. WE'RE GOING TO START WITH THE BIRTH REPORT.

SO LAST YEAR, 2025, FOR OUR BIRTH CERTIFICATES, WE DID 209 This year we did 129, which was 80 less. And the same thing with marriages. In 2025 we did 30, this year we did six, which is 24 less. But that had to do with, because of the new ID, last year was the deadline, so we had a ton of people coming in for marriage license and birth certificates last year just for that. So that's where the discrepancy is. Death certificates, we did 95 last year and 182 this year, which is 87 more. Dog licenses, we did 48 last year and 47 this year, which was one less. And foils, we did 68, which were 10 were accident, three were miscellaneous, 25 were police incidents, and 30 were property inquiries. For handicapped placards, we did 44 for the month, which was 37 permanent and seven were temporary. and we did 22 notaries. And we went live with our next request last week and we've received nothing but positive feedback from that thus far.

Any questions from our first report? Good job. Next up, Denise, Controllers Report.

I realize we have a very full agenda, so I can be very quick. I've distributed my 10-month budget summary for your review. Absolutely nothing unusual going on. I've included the current contingency balances. And because there is an ongoing need to make the fund balance information available, I added it to the bottom of the report, as Jim has already noted. So hopefully that is helpful having it. Thank you very much. You're very welcome.

Thank you. Any questions? That's great. Thank you. Let me just say this. Everything looks positive. Every balance, every fund balance in here, we're in the positive. The one month left in this budget year. Thank you. Two months left in budget year as of April 26th. April 30th. It's good.

Louise, may I ask a question too? Golf fund difference I see is $153,000. So we're up in the golf fund. Am I correct?

Well, I mean, it's a very fluid time of year, obviously, right now. So, yeah, as of right now, it does look positive. But there are a lot of expenditures, you know, that certainly you'll be seeing.

Sure. Okay.

And hopefully the revenue continues. Continues to go up. It's been going up, and hopefully that continues.

Thank you.

Any other questions for the controller? Okay. Thank you, Louise. Very good. We will move on to our engineering report. Mike Clark.

Thank you, Mayor. Still waiting on the start of the 2026 program. I expect that very shortly. I will point out that without the state budget being finalized, we are still in limbo with respect to our chips allocation for this year. We do have the rollover, so we can begin and do some of that work. IF THERE'S MORE OF A DELAY ON THE BUDGET BEING IN PLACE, WE WON'T SEE OUR FINAL COMMITMENT LETTER UNTIL PROBABLY A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER THE STATE BUDGET HAS BEEN PASSED. BUT WE CAN BEGIN BEFORE THAT BECAUSE OF THE ROLL-OFF, IF ANYBODY WONDERED. WASTEWATER PLANT IS, I WANT TO POINT OUT AGAIN, IS RUNNING REMARKABLY WELL. OUR CHIEF ENTREPRENEUR some operational changes to the way aeration bases are fed, and our removal is best expended many, many decades, well below our permit requirements, which is a good thing. My office is preparing bid documents for up to 20 lead service line replacements funded through the CDBG, if you recall. THOSE ARE NOT JUST OPEN TO ANYONE. THEY HAVE TO BE INCOME QUALIFIED. OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE HAS DONE THAT, AND THEY'VE GIVEN ME THE LIST, SO I'M LISTENING ON THAT NOW. I EXPECT TO HAVE IT OUT QUICKLY. CRESCENDENT BRIDGE, THE CONCRETE DECK HAS BEEN POURED. IT'S CURING. AGAIN, THE TARGET DATE TO OPEN THAT BRIDGE IS CURRENTLY STILL JUNE 18TH. Filter work continues at the plant. I expect that to be done, it's gonna be another, it'll be the end of summer by the time it's all wrapped up. And lastly, we continue negotiations and discussions with the Town of Amsterdam updating our sewer inter-municipal agreement. And I'll say that I think we've made some progress.

take any questions. Questions for the engineer? I do want to say we also started our vegetation program. Anthony, do you have any, do you have any, Chief, do you have any, I think we had 40 properties done on Monday beginning the vegetation program. Yeah, I don't have any up there. I know we're just starting out. Yeah, so we should be seeing some of these vacant properties look much better in the next few days. We've got 40 done today. So that brings us to any old business? I believe we have, so we're on to new business in the resolution.

Resolution 2526-192, resolution adopting minutes from last time in council meeting by Alderman Collins.

I move so moved.

25. So moved. Alderman Collins. Aye. Alderman Carpenter. Aye. Alderman Marcelli. Aye. Alderman Christomers. Aye. Alderman Holiday. Aye. Resolution 2526-193, resolution adopted minutes from public hearing and special time and council meeting by Alderman Collins.

Aye.

Alderman Collins. Aye. Alderman Carpenter. Aye. Alderman Marcello. Aye. Alderman Quistomars. Aye. Alderman Holliday. Aye. Resolution 2526-194, resolution established in the room and in the City of Amsterdam by Alderman Collins and Alderman Holliday. Whereas the City of Amsterdam is committed to fostering a safe, thriving community for all residents, businesses, and visitors. And whereas firefighters, first responders, and police officers serve as the backbone of public safety in Amsterdam, responding to emergencies, preventing crime, and providing life-saving assistance with unmatched professionalism and bravery. And whereas these public safety heroes make significant sacrifices, often placing themselves in harm's way to protect the lives and property of Amsterdam's citizens, and whereas their contributions enhance community trust, promote civic pride, and uphold the values of service, integrity, and unity that define the city of Amsterdam, and whereas June, with its patriotic significance, including the observation of Flag Day on June 14, serves as an ideal time to celebrate the dedication of Amsterdam's public safety professionals, and whereas recognizing June as Public Safety Heroes Month in perpetuity will encourage ongoing citywide appreciation through events, educational initiatives, and partnerships with local public safety organizations, and whereas the Common Council of the City of Amsterdam seeks to honor these heroes with a permanent designation that reflects our enduring gratitude and commitment to supporting their vital work. Now, therefore, be resolved by the Common Council of the City of Amsterdam as follows. The month of June is hereby designated from this day forward in perpetuity as Public Safety Heroes Month in the City of Amsterdam to honor the contributions of firefighters, first responders, and police officers. The Common Council encourages Amsterdam residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations to participate in annual activities that express gratitude for our public safety heroes, including, but not limited to, appreciation events, volunteer opportunities, and public safety education programs. The City of Amsterdam commits to supporting initiatives that enhance the resources, training, and well-being of our firefighters. responders and police officers during Public Safety Heroes Month and throughout the year. The Mayor is authorized to issue an annual proclamation recognizing June as Public Safety Heroes Month to be celebrated with opportunity for appropriate ceremonies and activities. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the adoption and shall remain in effect unless amended or repealed by the Common Council.

So moved. Made you work for that one.

Wow.

Yeah. Questions, comments? Thank you so much. By the way, I thought that was important to read. Yes, absolutely. I usually don't make you do that. We'll call the roll, please.

Okay. Alderman Halliday.

Aye.

Alderwoman Collins. Aye. Alderman Carpenter. Aye. Alderman Marticello. Aye. And Alderwoman Krista Mars. Aye. RESOLUTION 2526-195, RESOLUTION 2025-2026 BUDGET TRANSFER, CALLABLE BAN INTEREST BY ALDERWOMAN COLLINS.

SO YOU CAN DO THE NOW, THEREFORE?

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CONTROLLERS AUTHORIZE TO AMEND THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET AS FOLLOWS. INCREASE REVENUE INTEREST EARNINGS BY $52,853.62 AND INCREASE EXTENSIVE Fence band interest by $52,853.62. Any questions? Call the roll. Alderman Callan. Aye. Alderman Carpenter. Aye. Alderman Marticello.

Aye.

Alderman Holliday.

Aye.

Alderman Twistemart. Aye. Resolution 2526-196, resolution in support of New York State Assembly Bill Number A11247 relating to the establishment of school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Amsterdam by Alderwoman Collins.

Well, it goes down to the last whereas and the result.

Whereas it is the intention of the instant resolution to support New York State Assembly Bill A11247 Be it hereby resolved, the Common Council of the City of Amsterdam supports the ratification of Bill A-11247 by the New York State Assembly. So moved. Any questions?

Chief, it takes about a year once it's introduced to the Assembly before you get it back? No, I believe it waits for the signature of the governor. Once it's introduced. Yeah, we're in that year right now. We're in it already. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.

Call the roll. Alderman Collins. Aye. Alderman Carpenter.

Aye.

Alderman Marticello. Aye. Alderman Krista Mars. Aye. And Alderman Holliday. Aye. Resolution 2526-197. Resolution in support of New York State Senate Bill number S10196 relating to the establishment of school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Amsterdam by Alderman Collins.

Same thing.

Whereas it is the intention... of the instant resolution to support New York State Senate Bill S-10196. Be it hereby resolved, the Common Council of the City of Amsterdam supports the ratification of Bill S-10196 by the New York State Senate.

So moved. Any questions? Call the roll.

Alderman Collins. Aye. Alderman Carpenter. Aye. Alderman Marticello. Aye. Alderman Quistamars. Aye. Alderman Holliday.

Aye.

RESOLUTION 2526-198, RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SALE OF 241 EAST MAIN STREET UPON ACCUSATION TO SOUTHERN TIER ENVIRONMENTS FOR LIVING IN INC. BY ALDERMAN MARTICELLO.

SO MOVED. DISCUSSION? CALL THE ROLL, PLEASE.

ALDERMAN MARTICELLO. AYE.

AYE.

ALDERMAN CHRISTIAN MARS. AYE. ALDERMAN HOLIDAY.

AYE.

ALDERWOMAN COLLINS. AYE. ALDERMAN HARVEY.

AYE.

RESOLUTION 2526-199, RESOLUTION TRANSFERRING FUNDS FOR DPW GARAGE CAPITAL PROJECT BY ALZERMAN MARTELLO. WHEREAS, THE CITY IS CURRENTLY EXPLORING OPTIONS TO REPLACE THE EXISTING DPW GARAGE whereas the city incurred an expense of $9,334.50 from ambient environmental conduct to conduct a hazardous material survey, which is necessary part of the planning process, whereas the city desires to keep all expenses associated with the DPW garage project in the capital fund.

So moved. Is there any discussion? Thank you very much.

Alderman Marticello? Aye. Alderman Quistomar? Aye. Alderman Holliday?

Aye.

Alderwoman Collins? Aye. Alderman Carpenter?

Aye.

Resolution 2526-200, resolution declaring speaker negative declaration in approving the City of Amsterdam 2026 Comprehensive Plan update by Alderwoman Collins. The last two whereas. Whereas a public hearing was held on May 19, 2026 at 5.55 p.m. at City Hall, during which all interested residents, agencies, and stakeholders were given an opportunity to be heard, and whereas the Common Council, acting as lead agency, has carefully considered the draft plan that FEAS, all criteria set forth in 6 NYCRR, and public comments received during the hearing. Now, therefore, be resolved by the Common Council of the City of Amsterdam as follows. Seeker determination of significance. Based on a thorough review of the full environmental assessment form, the Common Council hereby determines that the adoption of the 2026 Comprehensive Plan update will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts. The Common Council hereby issues a C-4 negative declaration and directs that a notice of negative declaration be filed and published in accordance with 6 NYCRR Part 617. Adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. Following the close of the public hearing and the issuance of the negative declaration, the Common Council hereby approves and formally adopts the City of Amsterdam 2026 Comprehensive Plan update the official long-range planning document for the city filing and distribution the city clerk is hereby authorized and directed to file a copy of the adopted comprehensive plan and the secret negative declaration with the montgomery county planning department the new york state department of state and make all documents available for public review on the CITY WEBSITE AND AT CITY HALL. EFFECTIVE DATE, THIS RESOLUTION SHALL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY UPON PASSAGE.

SO MOVED.

CALL THE ROLL. ALDERWOMAN COLLINS. AYE. ALDERMAN CARPENTER. AYE. ALDERMAN MARTASELLO. AYE. ALDERWOMAN CHRISTIMARS. AYE. ALDERMAN HOLIDAY. AYE. RESOLUTION 2526-201, RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF RECORD MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE BY ALDERMAN ALDER WOMAN COLLINS. OKAY. THE SECOND WHEREAS OF THE RESOLVE. OKAY. WHEREAS THE CITY WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE THE NEW COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE WITH FEDERAL SEIZED MONEY THAT WAS RECEIVED IN PRIOR YEARS, USE OF THESE FUNDS REQUIRES COMMON COUNCIL APPROVAL. RESOLVE, THE CONTROLLER IS AUTHORIZED TO FUND THIS PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $193,763.95. to be paid out of the CM.3120.2000. So moved. Any questions? Call the roll. Alderman Callan. Aye. Alderman Carpenter. Aye. Alderman Marticello.

Aye.

Alderman Quistamars. Aye. Alderman Holiday.

Aye.

Resolution 2526-202, resolution transferring funds from corrosion control engineering expenses by Alderman Carpenter. Whereas, the city closed out the...

Skip down to the fourth whereas, and now there won't be a result.

Whereas, funds must be transferred from the water fund to the capital project fund so that these invoices can be paid. Now, therefore, be it resolved, the controller is authorized to transfer funds from the 25-26 fiscal year budget as follows. Decrease expense water fund contingency by 2048. Increase revenue... Interfund Transfer Capital Fund by 2048, and Increased Expense Corrosion Control Expenditure 2048, and Interfund Transfer Water Fund, it says 2058. It's 2048. Right.

Thank you. So moved. Any questions? Call the roll, please.

Alderman Carpenter? Aye. Alderman Marcello?

Aye.

Alderwoman Quistomars? Aye. Alderman Holliday?

Aye.

Alderwoman Collins?

Aye.

Resolution 2526-203, resolution transferring funds, water, plant, HVAC costs by Alderman Carpenter.

Skip down to the now, therefore, be it resolved.

Now, therefore, be it resolved. The controller is authorized to amend the 2025-2026 budget as follows. Decrease expense contingency fund $87,000. Increase expense plant services contractual $87,000. So moved.

Any questions?

Alderman Carpenter.

Aye.

Alderman Marticello.

Aye.

Alderwoman Clistemars.

Aye.

Alderman Holliday.

Aye.

Alderwoman Collins. Aye. Resolution 2526-204, Resolution Approving Audit by Alderwoman Collins. So moved. Alderwoman Collins. Aye. Alderman Carpenter.

Aye.

Alderman Marticello. Aye. Alderwoman Clistemars. Aye. Alderman Holliday.

Aye.

ordinance d of 2026 to be known as ordinance number four of 2026 is adopted an ordinance ordinance modifying section 73-4a9 of the amsterdam city code so as to prohibit dogs in certain areas of public parks and recreational areas by alderman holiday so moved um any questions call the roll alderman holiday hi alderman collins alderman carpenter Alderman Marticello.

Aye.

Alderwoman Quistamar. Aye. Local Law A of 2025 to be known as Local Law 1 of 2026 if adopted. A local law extending a temporary moratorium on the submission and processing of building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of use and land use approval for industrial, solar, and battery energy storage systems in the City of Amsterdam by Alderman Carpenter.

So moved. Call the roll, please.

Can we have discussion? So last time we passed this, we were told that it would be all worked out within three months, and it wasn't. So I would be happy to start up a group to look into this. I think we shouldn't keep extending this every six months. We do need to I think we should pull in people like Jake Reed who started that environmental group for the city and some other local stakeholders as well as engineering and codes and everything. So I'd be happy to work on that if anyone wants to work on that with me, but I don't think we should let another six months go by without making some progress on this.

Yeah, I couldn't agree more, Kelly. And with that said, I can't not vote for this, knowing that we haven't had that group.

Right. Like, I'm drawn. We need the group.

Yeah, exactly.

Like, it's not enough for me to vote against it, but I can't keep, like...

Taking the can down the road. Yeah, exactly.

Like, I do want to make sure that we do something.

Oh, yeah. And what about the fact that separating the solar from the battery?

Right. I mean, that was something that... It was just battery last time, right?

BUT WE TALKED ABOUT SINCE DECEMBER IT'S BEEN BATTERY AND SOLAR. IT'S BEEN BATTERY AND SOLAR SINCE THE INITIAL INTRODUCTION DECEMBER 20th WHEN YOU CRIED.

NEW SPEAKER OH, BUT ONE OF OUR SPEAKERS WAS JUST TALKING ABOUT BATTERY, I THINK, LAST DECEMBER. YEAH, THAT'S WHERE I THINK I GOT THAT.

NEW SPEAKER SO YOU MAKE A MOTION ON TABLE? NEW SPEAKER NO.

NEW SPEAKER NO. NEW SPEAKER I'M JUST SAYING THAT. I'm just going to say that I think we should work on it. So yeah, I'm going to probably, I'll vote in support of it, but I don't want to see it again in six months.

Just like any other maternity we've ever done, it's up to a certain point, but we can always end it earlier if we do it sooner. So it doesn't have to go the six months.

Okay. There's contention upon getting a core group of people together and figuring it out.

Assuming that nothing has been done, but there has been a lot of information gathered. Sure. EXPECT THAT WITHIN THE NEXT SIX-MONTH PERIOD, IT SHOULD BE SET UP. GREAT.

I MEAN, IT'S NOT AN ASSUMPTION. WE HAVEN'T BEEN TOLD ANYTHING, SO.

IT WILL BE PRESENTED. ALL IN ROLL.

ALDERMAN CARPENTER.

AYE.

ALDERMAN MARTISEllo. AYE. ALDERMAN CUSTOMER. AYE. ALDERMAN HOLIDAY.

AYE.

ALDERMAN COLLINS. AYE. Ordinance F of 2026 to be known as ordinance number six of 2026 if adopted. In ordinance modifying chapter 250 of the Amsterdam City Code by Alderman Alderwoman Quistamars and Alderwoman Collins. I think you probably just read the legislative intent.

And what we'll call a public hearing for 555. Before the next, the June?

Yep, June 20th, June 2nd at 5.55. Perfect, gotcha. Thank you very much. And just read the legislative. Yeah, that'd be great. Okay. By way of background, a review of Chapter 250 of the Amsterdam contains several instances of antiquated content-based signage regulations. The legislative intention of the instant ordinance is to modify chapter 250 as set forth in part two below so as to remove content-based regulations and to modify certain terms and definitions within chapter 250. Great.

Thank you.

Any other business?

Motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn.

Alderman Collins. Aye. Alderman Carpenter. Aye. Alderman Marcello. Aye. Alderman Quistomare. Aye. Alderman Holliday.

Aye.

Thank you very much.

You did a great job.

There hadn't been any meetings, so.

Wasn't so bad.

A lot of reading. I know. I had my water, but I wanted to take it.

I worked you on that one. That's okay. I'm not, but I don't know. I'm just saying, like, I was told I'm assuming nothing happened, but that's the last time that nothing happened.

So that's where my assumption is. I was going to call you. Thank you.