City Council - Regular Meeting

You good? Good evening everyone and welcome to the Troy City Council. Uh the first meeting of the evening will be a finance committee meeting. I'd ask that you join me in the pet pledge of allegiance, please. 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. Councilman DeLorenzo. Present. Council member Struber. Present. Council member McLaren. Present. Council member McGee. Present. Council member Favreau. Present. Council member Campbell Cohen. Present. And Council President Steel. All present and accounted for. Um the first uh portion of our meeting is the public forum. This is an opportunity for anyone who wishes to address us on any agenda item. Uh on the finance committee this evening we have three items. Um one regarding the uh public comment period for the uh action plan, uh the entering into a lease agreement with Babbling Brook Corporation, and uh recognizing the anniversary of the Armenian genocide. So, if there's anyone who would wish to speak on any of those items, we'd invite you to come forward. Um please include your name and place of residence. And if there's anyone online who is wishing to speak, this is our first

evening open to Zoom members, which we are very proud of and thankful for. Uh so, if anyone is joining us virtually and would like to speak, please use the raise your hand um feature on the Zoom platform. Does anyone wish to speak on any agenda item? Seeing none, we'll move forward. With a hand up? Okay. Good afternoon. My name is Brian Pass Fernandez. I live in District 5. I just have one simple question. Uh I noticed that the resolution to renew the flood contract was not on the agenda today. Whose decision was it not to add it to today's agenda and why did they make that decision? Thank you. Uh this is the finance committee. Uh that would not be taken up in finance. It already was. But thank you for your question. Um does anyone else wish to speak on any agenda item as part of the public forum? Anyone online? Else? Seeing none, um we'll move on to resolutions. Resolution 38, resolution authorizing the City Council to open up a public comment period on the City of Troy's annual one-year action plan of the final year of the five-year strategic consolidated plan. Council President Steel, Council member Spain McLaren at the request of the administration. Is there a motion? Motion. Council member DeLorenzo. Second. Second. Council member Struber. Discussion. Council President. Council

member Campbell Cohen. Is anybody from the administration available to speak on this? Carolyn is here. Hi Carolyn. How are you? Good afternoon. Good. Um I of course don't have any problem with this in substance. Thank you. Thank you. We actually just got actual numbers from HUD today. So, there was a little change in the Thank you. Thank you so much. This does sort of get to this does sort of cover what I was going to ask about. Um I can see just that in the third section of the resolution, it says today's date is April 2nd, 2026. Do we have to amend that to be April 9th? It's

You're not actually you're not acting on any. You're just opening it up for public comment period. Yeah, it it I I was wondering the same thing, Carolyn, because do we start counting from April 2nd or the or the actual date that we are It started accounting on March where I actually put the press release out. Okay. The legal notice, so it has already started, but this is just opening you guys opening it up from now until you vote, which So, why does it say April 2nd? I don't know. I think our meeting probably would have been on the 2nd had it not been Maybe that was the first Thursday of the month. Right. Normally it is, but because it was Holy Week and Passover, we decided to

that when I did all this, I probably just threw the first Thursday of the month on. Okay. I think I think we ought to amend it to to reflect when we actually took action on it. And not just that, but because there's a 30-day comment period, May 7th would fall within the 30 days.

I sent the legal notice out in March. So, it started in March 26th, so it covers the 30 days up until your uh the actual voting date in May. I understand what it says here. You Within the internal logic of the resolution here though, it's it's saying we are opening up the public comment period this day, April 2nd, 2026. And then we will take all comments received by the public into consideration before the final City Council approval on May 7th. Okay. You can adjust it if you would like. Yeah, I'm I'm I'm not trying to be difficult, but The public comment period is already open. Okay. So, should we amend it to March whenever you open it?

You can amend it to March 26th.

Why don't we do that? That the and then we would have to change resolve that the public comment period did open on March 20th. We're not we're not actually agents of this. I'm sorry. You're saying that the public comment period began on March 26th before any of this went before [clears throat] us. Yes. And it is going to close on April 27th and that was already included in the legal No, it's it'll close right before Technically the the writing comments will be closed by then, but until you vote on it, people will have a right to speak on it. So, to you guys. So, is there or is there not a 30-day The 30 days started March 26th. Is when it was published in the paper. But within the internal logic of the City Council, is there a 30-day requirement? The 30 days started March 26th. They have How can it start March 26th if we're sitting here on April 9th? People had the right starting March 26th to notify the Council on anything on that agenda. Okay. Uh I don't think that this is a you problem on this, but is Rick, are you available just to sort of make sense? Do did the public notice say beginning March 26th or did it say beginning it did? Okay. Notify the Council of any comments starting March 26th. Okay. It's on the first of the page I gave you. Okay. I see that there and then I see in the resolution that's been sent to us at the request of the administration the words the City Council will commence the public comment period this day, April 2nd. We need to change that to March 26th, which we can do next. And we can we can amend it, but the City Council didn't take action You can do it

you can do it nunc pro tunc. It's already been publicly noticed. Nunc pro tunc I'm sorry, it's a legal term now for then. Cuz you're not taking action on this tonight. I understand, but but what I I understand that we're not taking action on any submissions or anything of that nature. The way that this was drafted, it suggests that the Council is commencing the And it and so we have to change that section. What all I'm saying is we have to change that section as well because the City Council isn't commencing anything. It commenced. Okay. So, you um we can we can just amend you can just amend it right here on the floor and we'll change the final draft. Okay. But I'm at I'm asking, do we have to commence anything as the City Council? As far as I know, no, because the public no comment period already You have to approve a public comment period essentially. Okay. Right? And so we can just I believe you are fine. We can just scrap all the language about having commenced something and just say The city council approves the public comment period commencing March 26.

Perfect. And um thereby allowing all residents to comment in person. So, all of that or in writing comes out. Right? But all of that first sentence comes out. Okay. Okay? Is that That works for me. Okay. guys understand why I'm asking about this? I I think I do. frustration coming towards me and I understand that. Well, I I Also, the I caught it immediately. The language here doesn't make sense with what you're telling us. So So, it's been amended now or you're going to act on the amendment? We're going to amend. That's fine. Okay.

We have amendment on the floor. Is there a second? Second. We have a amendment that's been made and seconded. Is everyone clear on the amendment? Is the clerk clear on the amendment? Very good. All in favor. I. Opposed. Now, on the amended resolution. Is there any discussion? All in favor. I. Opposed. The amended resolution is approved. Thank you. Resolution 39. Resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a license agreement with Babbling Brook, NY Corporation for the management and operation of the Bear Park restaurant concession. Council President Steel, Council Member Spain McLaren at the request of the administration. Is there a motion? Motion. Council Member McKee, second. Second. Council Member McLaren. Discussion on the resolution. Council Member McKee. Thank you. Um I just have a couple questions. Thank you. I just have a few questions on the license agreement. Um section five Rick, could you come forward, please? Mr. James. On section five, additional license fees, um in the first sentence in addition to the foregoing license fees, contractor shall pay and there's a

blank uh per special event for promotion and scheduling. Right. So, it hasn't been uh finally negotiated with the contractor yet. Do you have a sense of when that will happen or Yeah. Um pretty immediately upon before signing. Um if you do note in the uh RFP that was submitted by the uh suggested awardee, um they did discuss um a 2% revenue sharing with events. So, we're just ironing out what that looks like. It could possibly be make more sense for multiple reasons just come up with a set fee compared to a percentage, um things like that. But that's just signaling to the council that, you know, there is there there is more work there that we'd like to do. Okay. That's why that last sentence was folded. So, I did have a question about the 2% then revenue fee. Um did the uh vendor it's the same vendor, correct, as last year, 2025?

Uh correct. And did did he cater private events last year? Uh so, I mean there's a couple different off the top of my head and uh we do have the vendor here um with certain events. But, you know, there is uh 30 or so tournaments that go on there. There is opportunity for certain events. That wasn't part of the previous agreement cuz again that was an extension of the long-standing lease. Um you know, this was something that the city was looking to go after, especially down the road uh if we not only in the new permanent space have uh the ability to do different types of events, the utilization of the tent still um as well could provide opportunities like we've been saying all along for that. So, that's why we wanted to get that language in this this agreement.

Okay. Yeah, I was just curious because um if there had been uh events like that last year, I was just curious as to what what the revenues were from it. Mhm. So, we could just get a sense of

Yeah, and that's worth noting to council member that we do have in this agreement a requirement to uh provide reports showing revenue so that we can gauge exactly uh how we're doing in uh you know, up there. And they'll be available to Oh, certainly. Um on the next uh section six, the last sentence a penalty of 5% of the amount of the required payment may be imposed on any late payments. I would suggest uh changing may to shall. We left it at the discretion of the administration depending upon I mean, the first year is almost a complete experiment um and there's a lot of uh we we're not in the final facility yet. It hasn't been even the built yet. Um so, we kind of looked at it as leave it to the discretion of of uh the administration whether or not to impose whether or not it's fair and just to impose a penalty. But, I think it it all be I mean, may gives the administration the option of imposing the penalty every time. Well, I would just note that if taxpayers are late on their taxes, there's a penalty that they have to

And sometimes we're actually a little bit forgiving in other ways that you know, the council isn't totally aware of it. It depends on whether it's our fault, their fault, things like that. Okay. All right. Um the five-year monthly rental income schedule um and how how were those numbers derived? Were they from actual revenues from last year? They weren't necessarily from actual revenues last year. As you can see, it takes a uh pretty heavy jump once you go into year two. Um the first year mimics really what the long-standing lease at the old Park Pub has been for years. Um and then those other numbers on that escalation are just from really some research of what what other uh vendors pay for that type of rent in similar types of operations. You know, what restaurants usually go off of or look to pay when they're renting spaces. So, um doing our working group doing some research looking into seeing kind of what the going rate is uh without pushing away folks as well. Um and we came up with the scale because we did uh like, you know, Rick had mentioned, you know, there's some transition here in that first year. So, we we wanted to be reasonable with that. Um and that's why we treated as as a scale. Right. I Okay, I understand that. But, there were how many years prior um was the Park Pub Pub um in operation? And wouldn't you have information about the revenues and expenses from From as far from anything that I've ever tried to research and look into out of just kind of you know, verbal, some maybe general knowledge from some of our land long-standing staff there. But, no, there was no reporting or anything like that that was done for us to go off of.

Okay. Um so, is there's no real option to renegotiate this uh during this five-year period? Well, I would disagree because um the agreement and and Rick can call for it, too, if it if, you know, there's there's multiple ways in there not just for cause, but for convenience um that the agreement can be re-looked at, too. So, again, we we want to be reasonable and get uh this proprietor settled once we get into the future, you know, permanent building and uh all the park's renovations have been completely done, too. So, and again, we'll be able to Now, with this, we'll be able to have some more of that information to look at and and see are we are we drastically underpriced or we overpriced, things like that. But I appreciate that very much. Um thank you. I think uh that I think care. That's good. Yeah, thank you. You're welcome. Any other questions? Council President, Council Member McLaren. Sorry, I have a bunch. Um but Uh Sheamus, did I hear you correctly that the year two was a jump to match what had been paid previously? Uh so, in the in the first year in 2026, you'll see that you're that it's set at 1,500.

Yeah. And then in 2027, it goes up to 5,500. Yeah. The 1,500 is what matches the prior lease.

Okay. Yeah, that's what I that's what I thought. So, I was a little confused with the 1,500 number. Um and we don't have revenue reports. Uh a question that I had is in the RFP, it states that we'll be spending at least $5 million on this project. What happens if we don't spend that much money? Mhm. Um I guess I'm asking are we are Yeah, does that does that give the proprietor the option to back out, maybe, if that's what you're saying? I don't think again the That's the beauty of the in RFP especially compared to say a bid where you know we're we're just we're framing, you know, what the idea is and estimating what that is at that time. So, if we end up doing a $3 million $2 million building that doesn't necessarily mean that that would give the ability for the proprietor to back out there. Again, that's why we're being a little forgiving in that first year because they're they're going to see this plan roll out. Um and part of it is we're going to utilize somebody that has, you know, I mean probably a dozen different restaurants and operations over his time to to help with his expertise when we're designing this this building that everybody will be a part of. Mhm. And looking at the current 2026 budget, um the budget line for the revenue for rent, can you confirm that it is Uh let's see, rental of city-owned real property. Is that Does that sound correct?

Is it Is that number a little over $30,000 or so? $36,000. Yeah, so that would take into account not only this this rental agreement but the agreement uh with Teja to rent the Fir Park ice rink. Okay. I just wanted to confirm that. Um and let's see here. How So, did we did receive all of the rent payments from the proprietor from last year? Yes.

And was he late on any of those? I'm not that I'm aware of off the top of my head. We, you know, had a good working relationship. Uh again, and that's, you know, we were uh wanted to consider everybody, but um you know, that's part of the reasons too that Brad is a good fit for this next phase of this project. Okay. Um and I believe it was the letter of support that you had submitted, Sheamus, for this project. You had noted that you listened to residents, visitors, and patrons um in making this decision. So, I was just curious when you listened to residents. Was that a community meeting or a public hearing prior We received even from various council members over the time. We received a lot of um like I listed in there, folks that utilized uh the golf course, the restaurant, and the park just to hear their concerns about how the parking was set up and uh you know, the way that the way the I shouldn't have touched uh the way that um you know, if you're receiving cash or not. A couple various different This is Swap it. Pause button. Um just where the parking is. Um again, type of are is it credit card only? Is it cash accepted? Just some various things that we've heard over when we did um you know, the temporary setup with the tent as well. We were listening hard. I mean, you know, that was Again, we knew that that was a temporary setup from the get-go and it was a little bit of a trial on trying that space down there, seeing how that worked. So, um outside of a specific community meeting to get feedback, um this is just general stuff that we hear from our being in the

public feedback. We heard from various council members that are are are part of this council as well. So, that that's what I was referring to. Okay. Thank you. And for the public listening, um there will be a community meeting for the Fir Park neighborhood. Anybody who wants to participate in May. Thank you. Yes, so the actually the um the first uh community meeting, well, for and we're going to talk more about the play playgrounds, but of course we can talk about the whole project, April 26th. 28th. 28th, I apologize. Um and then we are looking to schedule another meeting in May. Um we will have that probably scheduled in the next week, which will inform all of you. Um you know, and those are again part of the outreach to see how the future of of the park and the design. We want the public and the council uh to be, you know, fully part of all the design elements of the playgrounds and the restaurant. And um I know there was a question among us with the liquor license. Uh that'll just continue what was awarded last year. I'm unfamiliar of how that process works. There shouldn't be an issue with him.

There shouldn't be an issue and that was kind of one of the another way that to look into, you know, who if you have somebody that has experience with the SLA. Um Brad does and Okay, Brad has it. Okay. So, I guess he's already received it, but uh to finish answering your question, it's uh it's a seasonal license. So, renewing them is is much easier than when you go to um speed that you're at a permanent location. But again, his experience with restaurants and bars, you know, definitely does help his approval for sure. Um I think the only other question that I had um there was a note about the operator will provide capital improvement proposals. Um does this mean that he's responsible for the upkeep of the um of the building over the terms of this agreement or I'm just trying to understand that. I I was kind of interpreting that if he wants to make improvements, it's at his cost, but at at the approval of the administration.

That that is the way to interpret it. To try to find an example of let's say um Brad, you know, at the time prefers certain type of certain type of uh tables that are fixed in the new Again, I'm I mean, that's not you know, we're still designing that out, but anything that he decided to bring into the restaurant that becomes a fixture of the restaurant, which is something that he's saying he's committed to do, would stay with the would stay with the facility. Okay. Is that it for now? Thank you. Thank you. Council member McLaren. So, not a question so much as just a couple of comments. Um I am so pleased to see this moving forward and I'm I'm happy that it's um Brad and his uh sidekick there, Kevin, um [laughter] who has so much expense or I'm sorry, so much experience um with not only the old Park Pub um but the new reimagined, you know, the tent um I don't think anybody is hap Well, I shouldn't say anybody, but I'm very happy that um the permanent restaurant is going to be back over at the old site. Um I think I made that real clear to you in the beginning that I didn't

example of us listening, you know, so. Um now, I understand that the tent um will be there for part of the next golf season as well. Is that correct? It should be, yes. So, when you talk about the jump between So, I guess there was a question. The jump between year one and year two in the rent, are we um confident that the revenue from the tent then moving into the restaurant is going to be adequate to to allow him to to make that rent? Yeah, we believe so because part of our goal and again, um you know, this is still stuff that has that we all have to iron out and work together on, uh but we do feel that uh Brad will have opportunity in the permanent uh building for the majority of the future golf season. So, that's part of it. I think we can all agree that 1,500 was always pretty low even for the Park Pub considering the type of value um volume it does. I do think that it is worth noting um what's extra special, I guess, about that Brad did win this award. It does show that uh the tent uh and some of the temporary and permanent setups that are existing there work or I have a feeling he wouldn't come back. I've known Brad for a while. He's been very successful in his restaurants. I'm going to take a wild guess that he doesn't take on uh he doesn't take on ventures that he's going to lose money on or or not be successful at. So, it is good to see that the fact that he worked through the tent situation um last year, worked through the temporary uh temporary setup, and he's coming back again and can see the future and the vision that, you know, we've put out there uh speaks speaks a lot about what we're about to see. And the operation of of the tent itself. So, um again, I think uh like you noted, there's there's definitely some beauty

being down there by the lakes at by our in all of that stuff as well, but again, we listened and um you know, putting it back up in the footprint of the old Park Pub has a lot of different benefits. And you know what, it opens up that area again too for more recreation and maybe just naturally enjoy those areas. So, or again, it provide an opportunity for the tent to continue to be continued to used for weddings and other events. Okay. Thank you. Um I um I guess I just want to also comment that I'm really glad to know that they're going to have some say in the design. Cuz it's no secret that the kitchen at the old Park Pub was not adequate. Um so, knowing that they will, you know, be able to make it what they need it to be, um you know, I like that idea. Yeah, the fact that that man made the peanut butter and jelly wings that popular out of that kitchen says a lot. So, I think it will be a welcomed upgrade for him. He might have PTSD from working back there, but uh you know, I agree, council member, for sure. Thank you. Council President. Council member Campbell Coan. Um sort of piggybacking off of what Katie was saying, but from another angle, um for that jump from 1,500 in 2026 to 5500 in 2027. Obviously, that's a that num- baked into that number is switching from the tent to a permanent facility. In the event, I know the plan is to move in there and I'm sure everybody's working on that. As have there been discussions with the vendor about say like, hey, there's a lot of moving parts here. Construction's really difficult right now everywhere in the country. Like even 2027, we're not quite there yet. Is there an understanding that you're going to be revisiting this those figures? Um I did I'd have to go back into the agreement.

I do know in the RFP it was mentioned if if a situation that arises that could be a conversation that's had. We feel very confident that that won't happen, but you know, again, you always plan for the worst. And you know, going back to that escalating cost, really that what you start to see kicking to year 2020 29, 2030, that's kind of closer to what would be probably appropriate for this type of operation. Just judging from again, we don't have any exact reports to go off of our revenue reports or things like that, but with this type of operation space offerings, the fact that you know, it's such a driver already people coming to golf and recreate there. You know, that's why we kind of creep up to that too. So, I guess why I'm saying that is you could possibly make an argument that you know, the 50 could make an argument definitely that 5500 is still even a good Right. good rate to operate the entire golf course, the temporary tent. Okay. And I guess to that point, is is there an itemized capital project budget that's available at the moment? And is it for the the construction of the restaurant itself?

itself specifically, yeah. Um an itemized budget is not available at this time. So, just to give everybody a bit of the process. So, um we have engaged CHA who was already involved in early on engineering reports that when we started to come around to this with the park pub and some of the deficiencies in the structure and different things that were happening. They've been engaged to the full on, you know, architect engineering work. So, really we're go- we're still we're getting towards the end of programming which everybody again will be a part of when it comes to the playgrounds and the restaurant. The closer we get to that, the closer that we'll be able to provide that estimate for the council. So, that long and short that that breakdown, that that closer estimate for what we're looking at here when it comes to the playgrounds and the facility itself, you know, we're probably within the next month. Okay, next month. I was almost going to say weeks, but then I would be breaking my own rule. So, um Okay. Well, I look forward to seeing that. And then the last question I have about this cuz overwhelmingly it actually looks like a pretty favorable contract for the city. Mhm. There's a lot in there that is good for us. Um but um for section 22 wages and hour provision, we're looking at article 8 of the labor law for public works projects and article 9 for building service contracts. And I assume neither of those apply here. Yeah. Those are standard contract clauses in case he does something that could be construed as a public work. Right. I assume that building services here even because it's a it's

I don't think building services I do not believe would apply under to this this structure to his to his operation. Let's put it that way. Like janitorial stuff and it's all inside the operation itself. It's for the city's benefit. Right. Um nevertheless, because it reminds me to ask um and you're standing there, how do we oversee whether our whether contractors or subcontractors are honoring prevailing wage standards? Well, most of the projects that we identify as prevailing wage require the contractors to submit certified payrolls to the city. We keep those records and those are available for public inspection. I we often have if we have a project engineer or something like that, they sort help certify the payrolls and uh so you know, I'm not quite sure whether to what extent we review each each wage of each employee and say, oh, this is missing the supplement or something like that, but those payroll records are available and we get a lot of requests in FOIL from unions and their representatives for those records. So, it's more self-enforcing. I see. It's you can be reactive because there are so many uh Correct. Correct. Okay. Um I think that is it on my end, but um I do want to um just express my eagerness to see a capital project budget on this just because there's so many moving parts here. You know, I get that it's early days, but um estimates have shifted around a bit necessarily because things are changing. Um but uh this is a pretty big pot of money that we're talking about and we have to do our due diligence as the council to make sure that things are on track. And just

to that point too, council member, just to add some more moving parts to it. Um you know, we're actively going after a a grant for part of this for the playgrounds. There may be some shifting movements in ARPA that the steering committee had discussed at our last meeting. So, just to add that on to as well. That but you're right and that's why that all of us can stay in the same page and informed and move this great project forward. Great. Thank you very much. Council President. Council member DiLorenzo. I just have a few questions about the tent structure itself right now. Um I remember last year there were a few issues with if I recall correctly, maybe some flooding coming in from some rain. Have those types of issues been addressed with the structure this year? Yes, so I do may recall early on if there was there might have been some rain and I'm not it was maybe a panel that needed to be sealed or something like that if I recall correctly, but um yes, I would say after again the full year of it being used last year, any type of you know, reapplying a sealant or little typical maintenance type things have been taken care of. Okay. Um was there any concerns about you know, the HVAC in the tent itself and can you speak to that a little bit?

Yes, so look that again going back to listening to the public and and hearing feedback. Um that was one of the things that we heard that sometimes it was too hot, it was too cold depending on the season. We know how it goes here. It could be 71 day and 45 the next. Um so, that was another thing baked into this RFP to really make sure that the future proprietor of it took responsibility for the heating and the cooling. Making sure that it's adequate. We're not just going to accept a fan in there too. And again, Brad knows that. He lived through it. So, you know, he wants to make sure that his customers feel comfortable and we've we've talked about the cooling exactly and how many BTUs should be required to try to fulfill that tent and even different things can we take the panels down in different times to cross flow a bit. So, those have definitely been a big part of part of the conversations cuz we realized that's something that was noted last year.

Yeah, not not a huge issue yet, but few months it might get a little warm in there.

Yeah, definitely. Thank you. Thank you. Council member McKee. Um just wanted to confirm that the tent and the food service will be operational on the 15th. Is that the the date or tomorrow? Uh Well, so we were looking at this commences with the council's approval on tomorrow and I do believe that Brad is once he gets the go ahead. Again, knowing Brad just like the SLA, I bet he's already started to kick it up a notch in hopes that this gets approved. April 15th will he 100% be up and running? I don't know if that would be that we have clarified just yet, but I think that's in your agreement here. Okay. So, we you know, if we we understand that it's going to take him a couple weeks to get up and running. I do know one of our really key goals to get it fully operational. The beginning of May is when you start to see tournaments and things like that start. So, a lot of the leagues begin then as well. So, again, knowing Brad and which would be common nature, the sooner he gets up, the sooner he gets start collecting money. So, that I know that he will work expeditiously to get open. Thank you. I just had a quick question. I in reading over the documents, in some of the places it's refer- referred to as Babbling Brook NY Corporation. Other places it's Babbling Brook Watering Hole and Eatery. Um just want to make sure we're doing the right thing here. So, is it indeed Babbling Brook NY Corporation? Yeah, that's sec. That's what the Secretary of State says. Babbling

In other words, the corporation is registered with the Secretary of State as Babbling Brook NY. Thank you. I looked it up. Okay. Thank you. Just wanted to make sure we were dotting all our eyes, crossing our T's, and getting Brad there. [laughter]

Any other questions from the council? Council president. Council member Favreau. Um, I know this request came for me earlier in the day, so it's pretty late. Um, but is it possible for the council to see the like rubric in the score cards of the two applications that were submitted? Um, yeah, that's something that I could send. I mean, I don't have it readily available. I do I mean, I know I uh kind of some of the cost, you know, timeline. I did jot down some of the rubrics, um, expertise, experience, organization, um, the ability to mobilize, um, you know, what kind of menu and service cost were things. But, I I I can definitely get that over to you. Okay. Thank you. Council member Campbell Goewey. Um, for reviewing and uh for reviewing the proposals and grading them, um, you share who was on the committee that was doing that. Uh, yes, it was uh myself, uh Joe Mazzarella, the commissioner of general services, Kevin Graeber, the uh supervisor of recreation, um, and Josh Buell, who I just call the owner of Frear Park. I don't I don't know his exact title. It's important that we not think that. I get your point. Um Okay. Uh, thank you. That's all I got. Okay. Anyone else? Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Resolution 39. All in favor. Aye. Opposed. Resolution is adopted unanimously. Resolution 40. Resolution recognizing the anniversary of the Armenian genocide. Council president Steele, council member Spain McLaren, at the request of the administration. Is there a motion? Motion. Council member McKee. Second. Second. Council member Streuber. Discussion on the resolution.

All in favor. Aye. Opposed. Resolution is adopted. That concludes our agenda for the finance committee. I would entertain a motion to adjourn. Motion. Council Second.

Favreau, second by council member De Lorenzo. All in favor. Aye. Opposed. We are adjourned. Does anyone need to take a break? No. Let's move right on to the regular meeting. We'll give folks a moment to find some seats. Um, please come in from the hall and join us in the in the chambers. There are plenty of seats here, so please please feel free to come forward. I would ask everyone to join me in the pledge of allegiance, please. 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. Clerk, would you please call the roll? Council member De Lorenzo. Present. Council member Streuber. Present. Council member Spain McLaren. Present. Council member McKee. Present. Council member Favreau. Present. Council member Campbell Goewey. Present. Council president Steele. Present. All members are present. Th- Thank you. At this point, we have a public forum on any agenda item.

This evening, we have a local law to be reconsidered. We have three ordinances and a number of resolutions. If anyone is wondering what's on the agenda, there are copies available in the rear of the chambers. Feel free to avail yourself of them. But, at this public forum, we're asking that you comment only on what's on our agenda this evening. There will be another public forum after the meeting on any item. If there's anyone who has joined us from the public via Zoom, if you wish to address us on any agenda item, please use the raise your hand feature and we will recognize you. At this time, does anyone wish to address the council on any agenda item? Please come forward, give your name and address or place of residence.

[clears throat]

Hi, um, Francis Sweet from District 6. Um, and I just wanted to say thank you guys for reconsidering uh good cause Troy uh good the good cause legislation. Um, good cause Troy and Troy DSA have been working for this for years. And we're really glad to finally be on the cusp of actually having this into law. So, thank you all very much. Hi everybody. Uh, Rachel Rample, uh, here from District 3. Um, I live across the street from the old Park Pub {slash} whatever the new one is going to be. Um, so I also wanted to thank all of you for staying with us on this this journey. It's for us, you know, two years, uh, for you guys more than a year at this point. Um, and uh I'm I am very grateful on behalf of, you know, uh the organizations that have been involved in this coalition campaign. Um, and I know that renters are deeply deeply grateful, um, that that you've seen this through, um, all the way. And uh and yeah, um I think that's uh that's that's pretty much it. Um, but please do join us downstairs after the meeting. Thank you, Rachel. Good evening, council members. My name is Frankie and I'm a long-term renter here in Troy. I'm absolutely thrilled that you'll be overriding the mayor's

veto of good cause tenant protections tonight and that Troy renters will finally share the same safeguards that millions of other New Yorkers already enjoy. The last time I addressed you about good cause, I inadvertently misread my notes and said that 17 other municipalities had opted into good cause rather than 19. I think it's important to acknowledge when you've made a mistake, so my apologies to you for that. I just wish the mayor of Troy would acknowledge her mistake in opposing good cause. For incomprehensible reasons, Mayor Montello chose to veto and delay this local law, even though it's wildly popular among Troy residents, and despite the fact that this council supported it unanimously. The word veto is derived from the Latin I forbid. So, the mayor literally said to renters, 65% of Troy residents, I forbid you from having basic protections against slumlords and profiteers. She said to you, the council, I forbid you from providing tenants with fundamental safeguards from exploitation and abuse. I just don't understand why anyone would want to prevent two-thirds of our community from being protected against improper evictions, landlord retaliation, or outrageous unjustified rent increases. I sincerely hope that the tenant voting block of Troy, the majority of Troy, is watching and listening tonight. Because we may just need to forbid Carmella Montello from having another term as mayor. Her administration continues to tell Troy renters that we don't need good cause protections, even though we, the renters, have clearly and repeatedly explained that we do. This chronic dishonesty and gaslighting is what makes ordinary citizens check out of the democratic process. It's how the public loses faith in government and decides

it's pointless to participate. We give up because it takes so much time, effort, and pushback to achieve the most basic progress in our political system. But, giving up is exactly what our mayor and her associates want us to be checked out, disengaged, and disillusioned. If citizens don't show up and insist that our representatives actually represent us, then we just create private cozy space for self-interested people to do as they please with our tax dollars and with the keys to the city. Thankfully, you'll override the mayor's good cause veto. But, I want to urge the public, and renters in particular, to hold on to the keys to this city, to stay engaged with what's happening and continue to make your voices heard. We have a wonderfully responsive, smart, caring, and professional council that's committed to making life better here in Troy. And you genuinely want and need to hear from as many perspectives as possible. I want to thank each and every one of you on the council for finally getting good cause across the finish line, but also for demonstrating that representative government can still be the American way. My appreciation goes out to you and to all the organizations that were part of the good cause Troy coalition, and of course to all the community members who came forward and shared their stories along the way. It was a true team effort to get here. But before I wrap up, I want to briefly address the disrespectful and often offensive comments that some landlords and former city officials made during this lengthy legislative process. Several of them chose to publicly and unabashedly denigrate tenants and mock the plight of low-income renters. So, I just want to emphasize one more time that renting does not make you a second-class citizen.

I also want to clarify that poverty is not a shameful individual failure. It's a systemic societal problem that we should all be addressing together as a community. People struggling to meet their basic need for shelter shouldn't be mocked or shamed or exploited or abused. They should be helped and protected because they're vulnerable and because they're often at a significant disadvantage in the tenant-landlord relationship. But slumlords and politicians love to say that good cause will punish landlords, never once noticing or acknowledging how low-income renters and the working poor are being punished every single day, never recognizing how it must feel to be trapped in substandard housing because you can't afford anything better and there's literally no way out. I just have to say this one last time for the record. Good cause is not, by any stretch of the imagination, punishing landlords. It's offering a tiny sliver of protection and dignity to renters and the most vulnerable among us. What you're doing by passing this good cause law is honorable and humane. It's fair and just. It's compassionate and correct. Thank you so much, council, for leading with courage and heart and for representing all of us, including those who need this law the most. We're extremely grateful. Thank you. Thank you, second. Is there anyone online that's um with their hand up? Okay. Does anyone else wish to address the council on any agenda item?

Okay, then moving along. Uh Local Law number one. Local Law number one, a local law adopting the provisions of Article 6A of the Real Property Law to make the good cause eviction law applicable in Troy, New York. Veto override. Council member Spain McLaren, Council member Campbell Cohen, Council President Steel. Is there a motion? Motion. Council member Favero, second. Second. Council member Struber. Discussion on the local law. Council President. Council member De Lorenzo. I just have a few comments. Last year, when good cause became became before the prior council, it was voted down. And supporters said, "We'll remember in November." November came and the voters remembered. This year, the new council listened. We passed this unanimously, 7-0. Instead of supporting the many tenants and good landlords of our city, the mayor vetoed good cause. So, tonight, our question is simple. Do we stand with our residents or do we ignore what they've made abundantly clear? Because the voters will remember. Thank you. Council member Campbell Cohen. Um last time I've I've spoken about good cause quite a lot and I'm sort of running out of things to say. Last time around, I I thanked a lot of the people in the district who were really instrumental in getting this across the finish line and I'm not going to do that to you again. Uh but as soon as that finished, I realized I made a huge omission. Um Myron Getman uh put on maybe 30, 40 miles of turf uh over the course of the summer to see this through and um maybe it honors

your character to do a veto override instead of the passage originally as well. Um the only other thing I want to say about this uh again, just cuz I feel like I've I've covered a lot of ground in the past is is um one of the concerns that's been raised is what good cause is going to do to development. Um typically in the good cause debate, a lot of the emphasis is on landlords uh with the modifier small landlords. Um development is a little bit unusual, um especially given what the law actually does and what exclusions exist within it. Specifically, there's a 15-year lag time after a new development before good cause um actually impacts a building. Um I do just want to address that point because it's unusual here that there are actually quite a large number of reasons why development may slow down in Troy um that have absolutely nothing to do with good cause, have a lot more to do with our infrastructure ability, our sewage, you know, our our ability to manage traffic, um problems that have been avoided for a long time and I really chafe at um sort of scapegoating tenants for an administrative failure that uh is a long time coming and a reckoning that's I think on its way. So, thank you. Thank you. Council President. Council member McLaren. Um I just I think Frankie summed it up for all of us, at least for me. Um I um I too have talked a lot about this, um was part of the old council who tried my best um and was unsuccessful. Um

I'm just really proud to say that we've reached this point and very proud to be co-sponsoring it. Uh I just want to say for me, this is how government should work. Um this was an issue that probably started with a handful of people uh who were concerned and it grew uh and it came to the council's attention and it came to the council's attention and it came to the council's attention. And um it's sustained some defeats along the way, but it's back to the council's attention and we are so grateful for all of those who have brought it to our attention. I mean, this is what representative government is about. And this is what small d democracy is all about. And so, I again want to thank everyone involved and I'm so proud of this council for listening to those voices and acting tonight. All in favor. Aye. Opposed. Seven ayes, zero nos. The local law passes. Veto is overridden. Moving on to ordinances. Ordinance number five. Ordinance number five, an

ordinance authorizing the reconveyance of real property acquired by in rem foreclosure 368 First Street. Council President Steel, Council member Spain McLaren at the request of the administration. Is there a motion? Motion. Council member McKee, second. Second. Council member Campbell Cohen. Discussion on the ordinance. Council President. Council member Favero. I just have a quick question in regards to foreclosure properties. I know in the past, um those lists used to be listed on our website. I believe something has changed and that's no longer the case. I've had a couple residents reach out to me. So, I was just curious what that process was of how we could get the list of foreclosure properties. Is there anyone from the administration who could address the question? As many of you know, the state changed the rules for foreclosed property. We're waiting for the judge to sign off on the latest list. So, we don't have the list yet. We have a temporary list, but we're waiting for it to be signed off. Once it is, we'll bring it to the real property committee, take it from there. It'll have to go up for auction, fair market value, much different than the past, but we'll keep you posted. Okay, thank you.

Okay, yep. Thank you. Any other discussion on the ordinance? All in favor? I.

I. Opposed? Seven eyes, zero nos, the ordinance passes. Ordinance six. Ordinance six, an ordinance amending chapter 83 of the Troy City Code, Council President Steel at the request of the administration. Is there a motion? Motion. Council member Streuber? Second? Second. Council member McLaren? Discussion on the ordinance. All in favor? I. Opposed? Seven eyes, zero nos, the ordinance passes. Ordinance number nine. Ordinance number nine. Ordinance authorizing and approving the filing of the City of Troy's application for funding pursuant to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, the McKinney Act Emergency Shelter Grant Program, and the Home Investment Partnership Program, and designating the mayor as the authorized representative of the city for those purposes, for introduction only, Council President Steel, Council member De Lorenzo, Council member Spain McLaren, at the request of the administration. This is not for a vote this evening, it's just for introduction only. Moving on to resolutions. Resolution 31. Resolution 31, a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with Stryker Corporation for the purchase of patient handling equipment for the new PL Custom Medallion 170-in modular ambulance, Council President Steel at the request of the administration. Is there a motion? Motion. Council member Streuber? Second. Seconded by Council member McLaren. Discussion on the resolution. Council President. Council member Streuber? Is Rick still here by chance? Is Rick available for answering questions? Yeah. It's a legal question.

Okay. It really would be nice. While we're waiting, is it possible for me to ask a question about ordinance nine? The introduction only. I'm not sure if Carolyn is still here. You can see if Rick knows whatever, but I don't I think I think so. I. So, in reading the terms of the contract, and this is coming up because Stryker Medical was had a cybersecurity breach about a month ago, and their operations are very far behind right now. In section 2.1 of the contract, there is not actually a requirement of when the equipment needs to be delivered to Troy. Is it possible to amend that term still? So, I think the the actual stretcher is already available. It's a it's a demo unit. They it's in it's in their hands, so as soon as we get the contract and the paperwork out, that will be

Okay, I was just going to add a clause in there if you needed it faster. No. Okay. [laughter] I think we already have the one in in hand. Oh. Rick, what while you're here, there was a question apparently on ordinance nine. Um Yeah, sorry.

Thank you, Chief. On ordinance nine, it the first section, the City of Troy's Consolidated Plan Grant Funding for the 2024-2025 program, yet the rest of the documentation that we have is for 2026-2027. So, I think that's a typo. It should be amended. So, can you read that whole section to me or I apologize. Yep, section one, the City of Troy's Consolidated Plan Grant Funding for the 2024-2025 program year is set forth in the notice of proposed project funding identified as schedule A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereof. And so, in the supporting documents that we have

Schedule A is 25-26. Well, there's no date on there, but in the letter from Carolyn, a memorandum of support, she states the amounts are for July 2026 to 2027. Okay, I think it should be amended. This is for introduction only, so by the time we vote on it, we can hopefully have it resolved.

So, I'll I'll I'll fix it in the meantime, okay, if the Addy would be so kind as to remind me. Um Yeah, I'm sorry, I apologize for that. Thank you. Good catch. Yeah, good catch. Um Any other questions on resolution 31? All in favor? I. Opposed? Seven eyes, zero nos, the resolution passes. Resolution 32. Resolution 32, a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a memorandum of agreement to share household hazardous waste collection and disposal services with the County of Rensselaer and the Town of Bethlehem, Council President Steel at the request of the administration. I'm sorry, could I ask that the folks in the hall please either come into the chambers or not speak because the noise is is difficult for us to conduct business. Well, thank you. Do I have a motion on 32? Motion. Council member McLaren seconded by Council member McKee. Discussion on the resolution. All in favor? Opposed? Seven eyes, zero nos, the resolution passes. Resolution 33. Resolution 33, a resolution proclaiming April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month in the City of Troy, Council President Steel, Council member Spain McLaren, Council member McKee, at the request of the administration. Is there a motion? Motion. Council member Streuber? Seconded by Council member De Lorenzo. Discussion on the resolution. Council President.

Council member McLaren? Um I just want to again thank my colleagues and the administration for bringing this forward. Um as a family who lives with autism, um we know that it's not just in April. It's a 365 days a year. Um and it is important that it changed from awareness to acceptance. Um the language is there, but I don't know that everywhere, um the actual acceptance is happening. Um And so, I would just encourage anybody who's here, anybody who's listening, um to really try and make that move um for yourself, and uh it'll have a ripple effect. Thank you. Thank you. Any other discussion? All in favor? Opposed? Seven eyes, zero nos, the resolution passes. Resolution 34. Resolution 34, a resolution proclaiming April 22nd, 2026 as Earth Day in the City of Troy, Council President Steel at the request of the administration. Is there a motion? Motion. Council member McLaren seconded by Council member Campbell Go out.

[clears throat]

Discussion on the resolution. Council President. Council member De Lorenzo? Quick plug for Earth Week. I'll be organizing an event on April 25th for Lansingburgh residents at 112 Street Park, 11:00 a.m. We'll be picking up and cleaning up the park in the surrounding area. If anybody can't make that time frame, reach out to me, and I'm I've been working I'll be working with the city to gather supplies, bags, gloves, things like that. So, if anybody wants to, you know, do their own block, do their alley, that'd be great, and please reach out to me. Thank you. Council President. Council member Struber I too am doing a community clean up on the 25th, 10:00 a.m. Uh I'm focused on the area at the bottom of the Oakwood Cemetery doing the three-ish block radius around there that has three or four convenience stores and there just tends to be a lot of trash. Uh please come join if you can. Uh and if you can't, also reach out. We do have supplies. Anything you can do, whether it's your yard, your alley, will help. Any other public service announcements? Uh no, okay. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Seven ayes, zero noes, the resolution passes. Resolution 36 Resolution 36, a resolution to welcome, designate, and confirm various appointments to the Sustainability Task Force of the City of Troy, Council member Struber. Is there a motion? Motion, Council member McLaren. Second? Second. Council member Favro Discussion? Council President Council member Struber The Science and Technology Committee went through this with many members of

the Sustainability Task Force who've been doing this work for several years unofficially. And I just wanted to remind everybody who might not have seen that one uh that there has been a lot of work done over the past couple of years to get the certification for New York State for sustainability. Um and the Science and Technology Committee is recommending a yes vote to move forward with this. I also have a motion of amendment. Um after the last meeting, there was a resident who expressed interest in being on this task force. Uh so, motion to amend the sixth whereas clause to add Taylor Ross as a resident voting member of the task force. We have a motion that's been made. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by Council member Campbell Cohen Discussion on the amendment? Council President Council member Campbell Cohen I've had the pleasure of working with Taylor um in the past uh and um they did great work back then. Um I think they're going to do a lot for this task force and I'm really excited to see them get plugged in on issues that they really care about. I remember as long as like two or three years ago, they were saying that they wanted to work on climate-smart communities type stuff. Yeah, that's not what I was working on at the time, so I gave them the closest thing I had. But um it it's just really satisfying to see someone get to come home and and do exactly what they want to do in service of the community. Absolutely. Um great group. Thank you for your dedication. Looking forward to hearing more from you. Um any other comments? All in favor? Aye.

Aye. Opposed? That was on the amendment. Now, on the amended resolution All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Seven ayes, zero noes, the amended resolution passes. Resolution 37 Resolution 37, a resolution to establish a climate-smart community task force in the City of Troy and to adopt a climate-smart community coordinator, Council member Struber. Is there a motion? Motion. Council member McLaren.

Second. Seconded by Council member De Lorenzo Discussion on the resolution? Council President Council member Struber I'm also going to motion to amend this resolution to add Taylor Ross in the membership list for the task force as a citizen appointee. We have a motion. Is there a second? Second. Council member Campbell Cohen Discussion on the amendment? All in favor? Aye.

Aye. Opposed? On the amended resolution, discussion? All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Seven ayes, zero noes, the amended resolution passes. Resolution 38 Resolution 38, a resolution authorizing the City of City Council to open up a public comment period on the City of Troy's annual one-year action plan of the final year of the five-year strategic consolidated plan Council President Steel, Council President Council member Spain McLaren at the request of the administration. Is there a motion? Motion. Council member McKee. Second? Second. Council member McLaren This was amended in Finance Committee prior to this meeting. So, we will note that this was amended. Uh discussion on resolution 38 as amended? Council President Council member Campbell Cohen I Following up from the previous amendments, I'm um if Rick is available, do we do we need to also update the title of the resolution to reflect what is substantially happening here? Right now, it reads resolution authorizing the City Council to open up a public comment period on the City of Troy's annual one-year action plan and it goes on, but would it not be resolution I think I approving authorizing the city's public comment period on the City of Troy because we're not we're not authorizing anything. We're not opening anything up.

so you if you want to change open up to authorizing, that would be fine. Okay. Recognizing? Recognizing is a good word. I think authorizing would be better than recognizing. Uh resolution of the City Council authorizing a public comment period? Okay, so we we move the word authorizing in place of to open up. And we say resolution of the City Council. Just uh titles are for convenience. They're They're actually not part of the legislation, but it's fine to change the title. Right. And that's clear as mud for you, Clerk. Okay, good.

[laughter]

Um any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Seven ayes, zero noes, the amended resolution passes. Resolution 39 Resolution 39, a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a license agreement with Babbling Brook New York Corporation for the management and operation of the Frear Park restaurant concession. Council President Steel, Council member Spain McLaren at the request of the administration. Is there a motion? Motion. Council member McKee Second? Second. Council member Struber Discussion? Council President Council member Favro I think the only thing that I would add or comment on is um I just wish this wasn't announced by the administration earlier this week as it seemed like a final deal when we're still all sitting here making this decision. Um I don't see it being not being passed, but um I just wish that announcement was held off until we made the decision. That would be a polite way of putting it. Yes. Any other comments or discussion points? All in favor? Aye.

Aye. Opposed? Seven ayes, zero noes, the resolution passes. Resolution 40 Resolution 40, a resolution recognizing the anniversary of the Armenian genocide Council President Steel, Council member Spain McLaren at the request of the administration. Is there a motion? Motion. Council member Struber. Second? Second. Council member McLaren Discussion on the resolution? Council President Council member Campbell Cohen I'm very grateful to the administration and to the bill sponsors for bringing this forward. One of the things that's really horrifying about the Armenian genocide is how many people today still deny it. Um as um matter of international relations, it's a very small minority of countries that recognize that the Armenian genocide happened in spite of you know, widespread historical and academic consensus. Um some of that is quibbling about facts, some of that is quibbling about characterizations of whether things can be genocides. I think more globally, um what makes recognizing a genocide so important is that fact as well, that that in real time, in people's memories it's going to be disputed whether a genocide is or is not occurring. And I do want to take this moment. I don't want to take away from this resolution at all, but I do want to take this moment to sort of generalize that lesson that there are genocides occurring in this world today. Um uh we have brothers and sisters in the Middle East who are experiencing genocide. And we have a president who just a few days ago said, quote, "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again." I don't want that to happen, but it probably will. And it goes on with some more horrifying commentary, but that is genocidal language.

Um, and I think it's important to recognize that in real time in part because if you don't, then the memory of it gets hazy and people are able to dispute it. Thank you. It's sadly ironic. It Thank you for those comments. It's really sadly ironic that we are considering an anniversary of genocide when we are living it. Um, any other comments? I'm sorry. No. Sorry. All in favor? Aye. Seven ayes here and it moves that the resolution passes. At this point, we have a public forum on any item not just something on the agenda. Well, Council, my name is Bill French. I'm the president of the CSEA for the city of Troy. We'd like to make a few comments in regards to our contract that we have with the city of Troy. Now, this agreement dates back to January 25th and was settled in October of 2025. With the city's blatant disrespect the city's refusal to sign it shows a blatant disrespect for the members of the CSEA. The city's failure to sign this contract means that members have no signed agreement to refer to. City workers are kept in the dark about terms of their employment. The city's failure to simply sign this contract is fiscally irresponsible and cost the city money as the CSEA is is forced to seek remedy through legal charges. And through their interaction, the city

has shown a blatant a blatant disregard for the workers and their rights knowing their rights in the contract terms. The city has also shown a reckless pattern of delays, excuses, and lack of communication that must be settled by an outside party and will result in substantial cost to the city taxpayers. So, we're just looking to have this contract settled and signed and returned to the members. So, I'm looking good faith. So, it was it was ratified by the membership.

Yes. And it was turned over to the administration to be proofread and signed and that was 6 months ago, 8 months ago and with no response mostly. Wow. So, any help that we could find in that, we would greatly appreciate. The The members of the CSEA do a lot for the city of Troy and help run the city completely. So, we're not asking for much, just to to have our contract. Absolutely. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. Thank you.

Had had no idea. Wow. Wait. Uh, good evening, members of the city council. My name is Jordan resident of Troy, but I'm here in my capacity as a labor relations specialist for CSEA. Uh, that we just heard from members and officers of CSEA Troy about the problems they were experiencing getting a signed draft of their contract to print. To be clear, the contract is in effect. The issue we're having is that in the beginning of November, I typed up a draft, had it reviewed by the bargaining teams. CSEA bargaining team said it looked good to go. I sent it to the city and asked for comment and got no response. And when I followed up and said, "Well, I haven't had a comment. Are we ready to sign?" I was told, "No, we're not ready to sign." So, I said, "Okay. Uh, can you give me an update on when we're ready to sign?" Nothing. I asked a few weeks later for an update on whether people were ready to sign. Nothing. I suggested a meeting to go over the contract, heard nothing. I was repeatedly ignored for over 4 months by the city. Uh, eventually, I had to file charges against the city and with the public employee relations board for failure to bargain in good faith and interfering in employee rights. It was only at that point that I actually got a substantial response and the first response I got was to ask, "Where in the law does it say we have to do what you're asking?" And after that, I was sent an email which effectively said that the city would consider signing it so long as I would meet with the city to read it out loud line by line. I'm not making that up. I have asked around about this because I'm a little bit new to CSEA as a labor relations specialist. I want to know, is this uncommon or is this you know, am I am I alone in this or what? Every labor relations specialist asked about this was stunned by this idea. And I work with other municipalities. I

work with other employers. I don't have this problem with them. I've negotiated other contracts and there's a free flow of communication about what's going on with it. If we need an update, you know, we'll ask for it and get it. Uh, I'll give an update. If there's a problem, we communicate about it. It isn't always fast, but there's communication. I've received nothing from the city until I started filing charges against it. And as unfortunate as it's come to this because it's the taxpayers of the city who are going to have to pay for it. So, any relief the city council can provide, all we're asking for the city to do is to do its job. This is a very simple task. It could take a few hours to just read through the contract draft, look at the memorandum of agreement that specifies all the changes to it, make sure it's okay. It does not take that long. It should not have taken at this point 5 months. So, I'm going to hand out a sheet about the timeline if it's okay for me to do so.

Yep. Please do. Thank you. You got it here. Yeah, no problem. Thank you. Thanks, Jordan. Thank you. Thank you, Jordan. Hello, Council members and hello to my fellow Troy residents. My name is Anaya, aka Nigh2Fly. I'm a South Troy resident and I am also a youth organizer with We Are Revolutionary. As summer approaches and warm weather persists, I am concerned about our young people. They will start to come out more, fight, shoot, and use substances. All of which significantly impacts your brain, your brain chemistry, and how you mature into an adult. As you can see, the violence already started. On March 31st, there was a fight involving six to 10 young people at Knickerbocker Park. No arrests were made. However, pepper spray and a taser was found in the possession of the young people. Someone could have seriously gotten hurt. Then on March 2nd, a 16-year-old boy a 16-year-old boy was caught by APD near South Pearl Street and Herkimer Street area with a loaded .22 caliber AR-styled pistol with an extended magazine and a defaced serial number. This boy was also a missing person.

Craig D. Apple says this individual or the individual had also been reported as a missing juvenile out of the city of Troy. Safe to say, he's not missing anymore. He's currently in a secure a secure detention facility. Don't like how that was put. Sounds very sarcastic, but like haha, we got him. But is it really safe to say that? Obviously, there's something going on at home and mentally. But hey, let's lock him up and not do anything to get him through his traumas, teach him emotional regulation, or not to so to resort to violence to solve his issues. I am also concerned that the youth behaviors will lead to police interactions, arrest, and CPS involvement. We know that all of these systems do more harm than good and cause further trauma in these young people's lives simply because we are unaware of our rights, the laws set in place to protect us, and when these people, because they are still people, are abusing their power. Plus, throughout our 13-plus years of schooling, we are not taught these things. So, how are we expected to abide by these rules that we have no idea that are rules? How do you expect us to behave a certain way when we have gone through so much that it affects our ability to think effectively and properly communicate and use our critical thinking skills? Just food for thought. As I said, I am a youth organizer with a nonprofit organization called We Are Revolutionary. We Are Revolutionary is a community-based organization created to address adverse childhood experiences,

aka ACEs, and their long-term impact on youth, families, and communities. ACEs are traumatic events that occur before age 18 because that's what society and the law deems individuals as adults, but their brains are not mature, but I digress, such as abuse or neglect, family separation, exposure to violence, household instability, residing in a household with a family member or family members who suffer from substance abuse, mental disorders, or are in and out of incarceration. WAR serves youth and young individuals, families impacted by poverty and system involvement, communities disproportionately affected by trauma and inequalities. WAR focuses on youth justice and alternatives to incarceration, family separation, and the child welfare system, housing instability, food access, and community wellness, and barriers to education and transportation. We support communities by providing youth leadership and organizing programs, political education, and legal literacy, advocacy, and policy campaigns, family-centered support and wellness initiatives, and community-based solutions to systemic challenges. WAR centers youth because we are directly impacted by ACEs and systemic barriers. WAR equips us young people with the tools to advocate for ourselves and our communities. We are a family-centered and trauma-informed We use a family-centered and trauma-informed approach focusing on the prevention of punishment, community-based support systems, and leadership development for impacted individuals. We need individuals to get involved with the work that We Are Revolutionary is putting in.

As we are building two cities, one community, each family at a time. We are not only building in our cities, we are also building in our state, in our country, and we are building in our world. So, anywhere you are in the Capital District, in the world, if you are feeling revolutionary, please reach out to us and get involved in our work. We want to support you as you help us build a real revolutionary world. You can volunteer or work with us and receive a stipend for your service and contributions. On your smartphone, look us up at wearerevolutionary.org on Google, Safari, Chrome, or whatever you use. And if you are if you have a family who's struggling, if you know a young person who needs guidance, or you want to use your voice to make a change, contact our executive director Lukee Forbes at 838-217-0254. Again, that is 838-217-0254. Thank you for your time, and I hope that I see many of your faces at our program. Thank you, Anaya. You're welcome. Hi, my name is Aleah. I'm a youth OG nugget with We Are Revolutionary. I live I'm not from Troy, but I live on the south side of Albany, the downtown part. I've been working with We Are Revolutionary Well, We Are Revolutionary started in 2024, but I started We Are Rev- I'm sorry. We Are Revolutionary started in 2023, and I started in 2024, and I've been working with them ever since. I have made some I have made a lot of decisions that I'm not proud of, but working with We Are Revolutionary and being a part of their nonprofit

organization helped me change my ways in a lot of way. We Are Revolutionary is a led organization is a I'm sorry. Is a led organ- is a led is led by organizers, community members, and with people that lived the experience, including youth like me and people directly impacted by the system we we fight the system we work in to change. Partner with us community I'm sorry. Partner Partner with us we communi- Okay. Partner with community organizers, advocating groups, and coalitions to strengthen our impact and outreach to and to reach more people. There are many ways to get involved involved rather as volunteering, joining our advocating campaigns, participating in our group in our program, donat- donating, or partnering up with us. Our goal is to reduce the impact of adverse childhood experiences as y'all know as ACEs by building a system of care and increasing resources to support community solutions. We Are Revolutionary has five programs. One of them is our youth organization program. This This program is for young people to become leaders, advocates, and problem solvers. This It It's designed as both a workforce program and a pre-workforce program. Help us build real-life skills. We help y'all build real-life skills in like public speaking, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and confidence. We also learn how to organize for

change. Every Tuesday we have Every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 we host our community healing program called Revolutionary Arts. This program is open up to adults, children, and youth. This is It's creates a safe It creates space where people can express themselves through art and building confidence. We are also run We also run a Cocoa on the Move near Albany High on the corner of Washington and Partridge from 2:30 to 4:00. We give out hot chocolate, and sometimes when it's nice we give out ice cream to kids for free. We do this to We do this to bring kids in into show them that it's okay if you're feeling upset and you need someone to talk to, or you just want to tell somebody about your day. You could come talk to us. We don't judge. We don't discriminate. We just want to hear your voice and help and get the help that you need. On Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:00 we have our Legal Eagle program at the Damien Center on Madison Ave. Our program teaches youth and adults youth and adults about the legal syst- about the legal system and our right and your rights in the political process. It gives us knowledge It gives us the knowledge of confidence and to navigate our community to we to Oh, I'm sorry. It gives us the confiden- It gives us the knowledge to It gives us the knowledge and the confidence to advocate to to Oh, to navigate our community and advocate ourselves. We Are Revolutionary didn't give me a program, it gave me a place. Thank you, Aleah. Excellent.

Are there any online [clears throat]

speakers? Hello, good afternoon. Uh, my name is Brian Pol Fernandez. I live in District 5, and I just would like to talk about uh, the Flock cameras. Um, I really hope that the City Council will have an opportunity to cancel the city's contract with Flock Safety Company. These cameras violate our privacy, our civil liberties, and I'm concerned that this data can get in the hands of ICE, a federal agency that routinely violates the constitutional rights of undocumented people. Um, recently we found out that Mayor Montello declared a a state of emergency on public safety because the council paused Flock payment, um, which I thank you all for taking that step. I think that was fantastic. But, I think the emergency declaration is totally outrageous. Uh, the city charter states that an emergency can only be declared if, quote, there is conflagration, riot, storm, earthquake, or other unusual perils to the lives or properties or both of citizens of Troy, end quote. None of that took place, and therefore the mayor's declaration is illegal. So, I would like to ask the council members, what are you guys going to do about this illegal declaration? Um, so, the resolution to renew the contract was tabled 2 weeks ago, and I'd also like to know when it will be added to the agenda again. Uh, please cancel the Flock Safety contract as soon as possible. Fight back against the mayor's declaration emergency. I hope that the uh, pause of Flock payments can be reinstated, and that any future city contracts with vendors is decided by the

City Council. Thank you. Thank you, Brian. Are there any other online Does anyone else in the room wish to address the council on any topic? Seeing

Seeing none, I would um I would really like to have a moment of silence. We have had a a resolution tonight about the anniversary of genocide. I would like to have a moment of silence for all those who have lost their lives in the Middle East before we adjourn. I would accept a motion to adjourn at this time. Motion? Council member McLaren. Second? Second. Council member Stroover. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? We're adjourned.