Amsterdam public meetings in 2023

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet on December 27 at City Hall to consider several site plan approval applications. These include a new restaurant, a spirits tasting room, and a retail beauty supply store.

• 38 Main Street: Site plan approval for Annie D’s Grill (D' Andre Jones) to open a lunch and dinner restaurant
• 37 Prospect Street: Site plan approval for Second Act Spirits, LLC (Richard & Stacey Michales) to open a tasting room
• 45 Main Street: Site plan approval for Weldon Beauty (Tamiera Champaigen-Weldon) to open a retail beauty supply store

Common Council

The Common Council will vote on a series of resolutions, including accepting a $1,000,000 CDBG grant for the Community Center, authorizing a $41,425 budget transfer for a sanitation truck engine repair, and approving 2024 golf rates. Other items include appointing Commissioners of Deeds, authorizing up to $5,000 in CSX expenses for a multimodal station study, and a $2,351.35 snow/ice contract with Montgomery County.

• Accept $1,000,000 CDBG grant for Community Center
• Authorize $41,425 budget transfer for sanitation truck engine repair
• Approve 2024 golf rates (e.g., weekday prime 18 holes $45, weekend prime $55)
• Authorize up to $5,000 CSX expenses for multimodal station study
• Approve $2,351.35 snow/ice contract with Montgomery County for Sandy Drive

Common Council

The Amsterdam Common Council will consider several resolutions at its December 5, 2023 meeting, including transferring funds to cover a $20,000 solar panel contract termination cost and a $15,000 transfer for sewer plant equipment. The council will also vote on authorizing a $4,131.24 contract with The Remi Group, LLC to consolidate printer and copier maintenance services, and will revisit two tabled resolutions to waive vacant building fees for properties on Guy Park Avenue and Brookside Avenue.

• Resolution #23/24-103: Transfer $20,000 from contingency to police contractual expense for solar panel contract termination at public safety building
• Resolution #23/24-104: Transfer $15,000 from sewer contingency to sewer equipment for repairs
• Resolution #23/24-105: Authorize contract with The Remi Group, LLC for printer/copier maintenance at $4,131.24 for 12 months
• Resolution #23/24-97: Waive $1,590 vacant building fee at 256 Guy Park Avenue (tabled 11/21/2023)
• Resolution #23/24-98: Waive $2,040 vacant building fee at 100-102 Brookside Avenue (tabled 11/21/2023)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review Sticker Mule's application for operating a light manufacturing facility at 300 Forest Avenue. The project involves repaving and adding parking spaces.

• Review of Sticker Mule LLC's site plan for a light manufacturing facility
• Proposed addition of parking spaces on-site

Common Council

The Common Council will vote on several resolutions, including awarding a $64,500 contract for a feasibility study for a multisport recreation center, authorizing a $495,000 pedestrian safety project, refinancing a fire truck, renewing a contract with Montgomery County DSS, and approving a year-end budget amendment. The meeting also includes routine items like adopting minutes and approving an audit.

• Award $64,500 to Conventions, Sports & Leisure International for recreation center feasibility study
• Approve $495,000 pedestrian safety improvements project with $99,000 local share
• Authorize refinancing of new fire truck with $1,415,000 USDA loan
• Renew one-year contract with Montgomery County DSS for Work Experience Program
• Approve year-end budget amendment for 2022-23 across multiple funds

Zoning Board of Appeals

There will be no zoning meeting held on November 2, 2023. The notice states that there are no new applications before the Board at this time.

Planning Commission

The Amsterdam Planning Commission will consider a site plan application for Mr. 787 Style to open a hair salon and barbershop. The meeting is scheduled for October 25, 2023.

• Site plan approval for 100 Church Street (Application 23-34P) to open a hair salon/barbershop

Golf Commission

The commission reviewed course maintenance, revenue increases, and upcoming winterization. Members discussed potential equipment bonds, pro shop replacements, and clubhouse development ideas.

• Total revenue of $208,869 reported for July 1, 2023 – October 23, 2023
• Discussion of equipment replacement and potential bond for building and cart needs
• Plan to obtain three bids for 20 golf carts at the beginning of the year
• $15,000 received for the Veterans practice range
• RFQ for clubhouse/pro shop development to be completed by end of November

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Amsterdam Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on October 5, 2023, to review an area variance application. The applicant is seeking permission to install a fence that exceeds six feet in height and does not meet required street setbacks.

• Area variance request for 83 Wesleyan Avenue regarding fence height and setbacks

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is reviewing a site plan application for a new light manufacturing facility. The project involves producing wood topographic maps with three employees operating from 8am to 5pm. No modifications to the existing site layout are proposed.

• Site plan review for Sticker Mule LLC at 356 Forest Avenue
• Proposed use of light manufacturing within an Employment District
• Project involves no physical disturbance to the 0.35-acre site

Golf Commission

The Golf Commission discussed maintenance, membership, marketing, and equipment needs. They plan to purchase 20 new golf carts by May 1 to supplement the aging fleet, with a bid process required by the city. They also discussed greens fees for next year, a possible no-show fee, and a motion to formally request inclusion in future concessionaire decisions.

• Chemical building roof needs replacement; chemical locker on order
• Sales tax exemption on cart-inclusive rates saves about $7,000
• 40-cart lease expires next year; fleet failing, goal to buy 20 new carts by May 1
• Greens fees unchanged: weekday primetime $45/$28; discussion on no-show fees and employee pay
• Motion passed to present statement to mayor and common council on concessionaire decisions

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will not hold a meeting on September 7, 2023 due to lack of new applications.

• None

Common Council

The Amsterdam Common Council will vote on several resolutions and ordinances, including approving 2024 golf course fees, a $74,671 contract with the school district for a school resource officer, a collective bargaining agreement with the wastewater facility unit, and a mutual aid agreement with Montgomery County law enforcement. They will also hold public hearings on ordinances regarding purchasing cards and peddler permits, and a local law adjusting the mayor's compensation.

• Resolution 23/24-40: Approves 2024 golf rates, including $500 preferred customer buy-in and $1,500 annual unlimited pass.
• Resolution 23/24-41: Authorizes $74,671 contract with Greater Amsterdam School District for a school resource officer at Lynch Literacy Academy.
• Resolution 23/24-42: Approves memorandum of agreement with CSEA for Amsterdam Wastewater Facility Unit (2021-2025).
• Resolution 23/24-43: Appoints Louise Biron as City Controller at $100,000/year prorated salary.
• Ordinance E: Repeals peddler surety bond requirement, replaces with $1 million liability insurance.

Common Council

The Common Council is holding an emergency special meeting to consider a single resolution authorizing an intermunicipal agreement to lease Amsterdam's Tower 4 ladder truck to the City of Oneonta. Oneonta requested the truck due to an equipment outage and the upcoming arrival of SUNY Oneonta students. The lease would cost Oneonta $500 per day, with Oneonta responsible for routine maintenance and insurance. Additional resolutions may also be considered.

• Resolution #23/24-37 authorizes intermunicipal agreement with City of Oneonta for lease of Tower 4 ladder truck
• Lease rate: $500 per day
• Oneonta responsible for routine maintenance, minor repairs, and insurance; Amsterdam covers major repairs from normal wear
• Emergency called by Alderwoman Collins and Alderman S. Gomula for August 25, 2023 at 1:30 pm

Planning Commission

The Amsterdam Planning Commission will review an application from John Sumpter for a site plan at 292 East Main Street. The proposal involves establishing Chase Barbershop, which is described as a community barbershop.

• Site plan approval for Chase Barbershop (Application #23-27P) at 292 East Main Street

Common Council

The Common Council will vote on resolutions including a $2.3 million bond to demolish the Church Street strip mall, a $79,176 tax write-off for a city-owned property, and a $100 sale of vacant land. They will also introduce ordinances on credit/purchasing cards, peddler applications, and mayor's compensation.

• $2,300,000 bond for demolition of strip mall on Church Street
• Write-off of $79,176.23 in erroneous property taxes on 244 West Main Street
• Sale of vacant land behind 27 Village Lane East for $100
• Budget modification for police license plate reader ($10,000 grant, total cost $16,169.33)
• Introduction of ordinances on credit/purchasing cards, peddler applications, and mayor's compensation

Golf Commission

The Golf Commission presented a $637,000 operating expense budget for the municipal golf course, including $400,000 for Brightview maintenance and $152,000 in payroll. Staff proposed installing GPS technology, adding a practice facility, and revising the fee structure to increase revenue per round. Public comments raised concerns about the cost of new technology, the lack of clubhouse amenities, and the treatment of existing members.

• Proposed $637,000 total operating expenses including $400,000 for Brightview and $152,000 for payroll
• Proposal to install GPS technology for pace of play and communication, costing approximately the same as a ranger
• Plan to add a practice facility for revenue generation and youth programs
• Proposed fee structure changes to increase cost per round, with unlimited passes targeted at players of 100+ rounds
• Mayor Cinquanti stated $85,000 will be used to repair cart paths

The commission presented an overview of operational expenses totaling $637,000 and discussed proposed changes to the fee structure and equipment. The meeting included a public forum where residents discussed GPS costs, membership value, and facility amenities. No formal votes or decisions were recorded.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Amsterdam Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on August 3, 2023, to review requests for area variances regarding fence heights and setbacks. The board will evaluate whether these deviations from the zoning code are permissible for the properties involved.

• 98 Wesleyan Avenue: Request for an area variance for a fence exceeding 6 feet in height
• 16 Carmichael Street: Request for a 6-foot fence variance regarding required street setbacks
• 234 Division Street: Request for a 6-foot fence variance regarding required street setbacks

Common Council

The Common Council will vote on several resolutions, including a $3.47 million Complete Streets plan for Main and Bridge Streets, a $205,000 fund transfer for water treatment improvements, and a $2,502 transfer for a lawnmower contract. They will also consider accepting a deed for 27 Lefferts Street to create parking, and recognize a twin-city relationship with Pisciotta, Italy.

• Resolution #23/24-24: Award $677,000 to LaBella for design and inspection of Complete Streets plan (total project $3,474,000)
• Resolution #23/24-21: Transfer $205,000 from debt principal to contractual expenses for water chemical feed system improvements
• Resolution #23/24-20: Transfer $2,502 for lawnmower service contract
• Resolution #23/24-23: Accept deed in lieu of foreclosure for 27 Lefferts Street to convert to public parking
• Resolution #23/24-22: Recognize Amsterdam and Pisciotta, Italy as twin cities

Planning Commission

The Planning Board is reviewing plans for a warehouse renovation project by 10 Leonard Street, LLC. The proposal includes the reconstruction of a single-story structure and modifications to existing levels.

• Warehouse renovation at 10 Leonard Street, Amsterdam, NY
• Reconstruction of a single-story structure
• Proposed changes to first, second, and third levels of the facility
• Potential replacement of flat roof with a gable roof

Common Council

The Common Council will vote on seven resolutions, including budget transfers for fire department overtime and water projects, authorization to seek bids for water treatment chemicals, an employee assistance program agreement with St. Mary's Healthcare, and approval of the previous meeting's minutes and an audit. The meeting also includes public participation and committee reports.

• Budget transfer of $19,220.54 for fire department overtime and Tower 4 upfitting
• Authorization to advertise bids for WTP chemicals for 10/1/2023-4/30/2024
• EAP agreement with St. Mary's Healthcare, cost not to exceed $2,975.00
• Transfer of $46,400 for corrosion control upgrade engineering services
• Transfer of $1,300,000 for water transmission line clearing capital project

Golf Commission

The Amsterdam Golf Commission is discussing course maintenance, including a potential contract extension with Brightview, and reviewing a proposed 2023 fee structure to be presented to the mayor and members. They also covered financial reports, junior golf programs, and various facility updates.

• Maintenance budget $11,146
• Cart path repair quote $500k for 10,000 linear feet
• Payroll $23,000 under budget, income up $49K
• Aeration of greens scheduled Aug. 23-24
• City Championship Aug. 19-20

The commission received reports on course health, junior golf programs, and a $49,000 increase in income. No formal votes were recorded; several vendor approvals and the 2023 fee structure remain pending city or mayoral review.

• Tabled chemical locker bid pending city vendor approval
• Tabled Minimally Invasive Tree Service approval pending city action
• Tabled bridge restoration discussion due to liability and engineering needs
• Tabled golf cart updates until end of season
• Tabled Golf Course Foundation creation pending city attorney update on Beautification Committee

Zoning Board of Appeals

The HFM Prevention Council is seeking variances for a new 9,000 square foot metal building. The proposal includes requests to adjust building coverage, setbacks, and parking space requirements.

• Variance requested for 846 sq. ft. of additional building coverage (38% proposed vs 35% allowed)
• Variance requested for 29 parking spaces (16 provided vs 45 required)
• Proposed reduction of front setback from 20 feet to 10 feet
• Proposed reduction of rear setback from 25 feet to 15 feet

Common Council

The Common Council will vote on several resolutions, including awarding a $1,250,000 contract to TriState Clearing for right-of-way clearing of the raw water transmission main, authorizing the sale of two city-owned properties, and approving a $3,000,000 agreement with GPI/Greenman-Pedersen for design services. The agenda also includes budget amendments, fee updates for bulk item pickup, and a fund transfer for an emergency compressor replacement.

• Award contract to TriState Clearing for $1,250,000 for clearing raw water transmission main right-of-way
• Authorize sale of 10 Eagle Street for $21,500 and 50-52 Vrooman Avenue for $25,000
• Approve $3,000,000 agreement with GPI/Greenman-Pedersen for Multimodal Station design
• Update bulk item pickup fees, effective July 6, 2023
• Transfer $23,625 for emergency compressor replacement at Public Safety building

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review several site plan and special use permit applications. Items include a three-story senior housing project, medical and assisted living conversions, and a cannabis retail dispensary.

• 17-19 Edward Street: 64-unit senior housing site plan and special use permit
• 52 Grove Street: Site plan for medical center/office and assisted living quarters
• 1451 St. Hwy 5S: Real estate/business holding company site plan
• 1451 St. Hwy 5S: Licensed Adult Use Cannabis Retail Dispensary site plan and special use permit
• 399 W. Main St & 52 Carmichael St: Two new four-story multi-use buildings

Common Council

The Amsterdam Common Council will vote on a local law to amend the city's zoning code to regulate cannabis-related businesses, including retail dispensaries, on-site consumption facilities, and manufacturing. The council will also consider several resolutions, including a $2.5 million grant application for a waterfront boardwalk project and various budget transfers.

• Local Law A of 2023: Amends Chapter 250 to allow cannabis retail dispensaries, on-site consumption, and manufacturing in certain zoning districts, subject to special use permits.
• Resolution 283: Authorizes submission of a $2,500,000 grant application for the Southside Public Realm boardwalk project on the Chalmers site.
• Resolution 284: Transfers $9,600 for golf course consultant and $8,200 for building repairs in the Golf Fund.
• Resolution 285: Amends Recreation Fund budget, increasing revenue and expenses by $14,821.54 for contractual expenses.
• Resolution 286: Transfers $2,000 from travel to gasoline for fire department vehicles.

Golf Commission

The Amsterdam Golf Commission discussed and approved a loyalty points program for golfers, a veterans passbook program with Montgomery County, and reviewed maintenance and financial reports. The commission also discussed member concerns about weekend course closures for tournaments and the potential purchase of golf carts.

• Approved loyalty points program starting July 1, 2023, giving 10% points toward future greens fees
• Approved veterans passbook program with Montgomery County, reimbursing $380 per veteran, with $50K available
• Insurance claim filed for sprinkler control panel destroyed by mice on hole #13, repair cost ~$1,000
• Mayor found $8,800 in COVID relief funds for cart path repairs, plus $11,200 for practice area development
• Discussed creating a Golf Course Foundation using existing 501c records

The commission approved a new loyalty points program and a passbook-based membership model for veterans funded by Montgomery County. The board also reviewed financial projections showing a revenue increase and discussed potential cart replacements via a public bid process.

• Approved loyalty program providing 10% points toward future greens fees
• Approved veterans program using a passbook model reimbursed by Montgomery County
• Agreed to remove compromised birch tree above the knoll

Golf Commission

The Amsterdam Golf Commission discussed maintenance issues, including mouse damage to sprinkler controls, and approved a loyalty program for golfers. They also reviewed a veterans program offering free memberships and passbooks, funded by Montgomery County, and discussed the financial outlook, which is ahead of projections.

• Approved loyalty program starting July 1, 2023, offering 10% points toward greens fees
• Veterans program approved: free memberships and 10-round passbooks, reimbursed by Montgomery County ($50K available)
• Sprinkler control box on hole #13 destroyed by mice, repair cost ~$1,000, insurance claim filed
• Mayor found $8,800 for cart paths from COVID relief, plus $11,200 for practice area development
• Budget balance for maintenance is $13,319

The commission approved a new customer loyalty program and a passbook-based membership model for veterans funded by Montgomery County. Members also reviewed financial projections showing a revenue increase and discussed potential cart purchases and course maintenance.

• Approved loyalty program providing 10% toward future greens fees
• Approved veterans program using a passbook model reimbursed by Montgomery County
• Agreed to remove compromised birch tree above the knoll

Common Council

The Common Council will vote on a resolution to modify the income sliding scale for the senior citizen property tax exemption, raising the income ceiling from $15,600 to $20,000 and the floor from $12,000 to $14,300. The meeting also includes numerous budget transfers and modifications, a contract extension for golf course consulting, and approval of minutes and an audit.

• Resolution 262: Modify income sliding scale for senior tax exemption (RPTL 467) - income ceiling raised to $20,000, floor to $14,300
• Resolution 263: Budget modification for $106,050 NYS DOT reimbursement for Guy Park Avenue bridge (Dove Creek) project
• Resolution 265: Budget modification for $67,500 National Grid reimbursement for Downtown Revitalization Initiative Marketing
• Resolution 272: Extend contract with R. Scott Warren for golf course consulting - weekly pay increases from $1,000 to $1,200 from April 30, 2023
• Resolution 274: Authorize Mayor to sign updated HIPAA business associate agreement with Marshall & Sterling

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Amsterdam Zoning Board of Appeals will not hold a meeting on June 1, 2023. There are no new applications before the Board at this time.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is reviewing a site plan for the Iroquois Landing project. The proposal by Mohawk Valley Development includes two buildings featuring residential units and commercial space.

• 60-unit residential building with one floor of commercial space
• 33-unit residential building with one floor of commercial space
• Site plan for tax map IDs 039.14-2-44, 45, 46 & 48

Golf Commission

The Amsterdam Golf Commission is addressing public concerns about the clubhouse and considering a proposal to replace cart paths with a temporary crusher run. They are also discussing a formal proposal to lease or purchase a new cart fleet, with potential grant funding for solar lithium-ion battery carts. The commission is reviewing membership numbers and financial issues, including retirement costs and bond debt.

• Public comment: Ed Gumm concerned about clubhouse state and hours
• Cart paths: mayor to send city engineer for estimate and bid
• Cart lease: formal proposal for lease vs. purchase, 55-cart fleet
• GPS systems: $60K asbestos settlement available, decision deferred
• Driving range: plans for youth and handicapped programs

The Commission established a recurring meeting schedule for the second Tuesday of each month. Members discussed potential cart path repairs and a proposal for the future of the golf cart fleet.

• Set monthly meetings for the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 4pm in the pavilion

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on May 4, 2023, to review applications for area variances. Items include a request for a taller fence at 231 Church Street and ongoing business regarding development setbacks and parking at 399 W. Main St and 52 Carmichael St.

• Area variance for a fence exceeding 4ft in height within 50ft of the street at 231 Church Street
• Area variance for building setbacks at 399 W. Main St & 52 Carmichael St
• Area variance regarding off-street parking requirements at 399 W. Main St & 52 Carmichael St

Common Council

The Amsterdam Common Council is meeting to vote on several resolutions, including a new collective bargaining agreement with the city's professional firefighters, an independent audit contract, and a budget transfer for a fence at the Public Safety building. They will also hold public hearings on the mayor's proposed 2023-2024 budget and a proposed ordinance to remove time-limit parking on Division Street.

• Resolution 243: Approve memorandum of agreement with Amsterdam Professional Firefighters Local 2825 for July 1, 2022–June 30, 2026
• Resolution 240: Approve RBT CPAs audit contract at $52,850 per year for two years
• Resolution 238: Transfer $7,880 for fence enclosure at Public Safety building
• Ordinance C of 2023: Remove 15-minute and 2-hour parking restrictions on Division Street
• Resolution 239: Authorize transfer of surplus state property along Route 5

Planning Commission

The Amsterdam Planning Commission will meet to consider two site plan applications. The board will also appoint a new Chairman and Co-Chairman.

• Site plan approval for a microblading studio at 100 Church Street
• Site plan approval for a Little Caesars restaurant at 173 Market Street

Common Council

The Amsterdam Common Council will vote on 12 resolutions, including transferring insurance funds for police vehicle repairs, purchasing a new police vehicle, authorizing bids for a lead service line replacement project, selling city-owned properties, and approving a CSEA labor agreement. The council will also introduce two ordinances to change parking restrictions on Queen Anne Road and Division Street.

• Resolution 224: Transfer $12,693.47 in insurance funds for APD vehicle repair
• Resolution 226: Authorize $41,486.88 from fund balance for new APD vehicle
• Resolution 229: Advertise bids for lead service line replacement (grant $510,630)
• Resolution 230: Sell city-owned properties (e.g., 316 Grand St. for $10,800, 51 Vanderveer St. for $5,000)
• Ordinance C: Add no-parking anytime on Queen Anne Road from Sandy Drive to Broadway

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Amsterdam Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on April 6, 2023, to consider several area variance requests. The applications include a garage addition at 66 Center Street and a large-scale development project involving the demolition of five buildings for new multi-use structures.

• Area variance for a garage addition at 66 Center Street regarding side and rear setbacks
• Area variance for Mohawk Valley Development at 399 W. Main St & 52 Carmichael St to allow for required setbacks
• Area variance for Mohawk Valley Development at 399 W. Main St & 52 Carmichael St regarding off-street parking requirements
• Proposed demolition of five abandoned commercial buildings and construction of two four-story multi-use buildings with 260 parking spaces

Common Council

The Amsterdam Common Council will consider several resolutions and two ordinances at its April 4, 2023 meeting. Key items include a budget modification to accept an $80,000 state grant for police body-worn cameras, a contract with Montgomery County for grass and brush control, and a memorandum of agreement with AFSCME Local 1614. Public hearings will be held on ordinances to prohibit feeding crows and to add a no-stopping zone on Northern Boulevard.

• Resolution 210: Accept $80,000 NYS grant for police body-worn cameras; budget amendment of $46,441 for equipment and $33,559 for contractual expenses.
• Resolution 211: Award 2023 water treatment plant chemical bids to multiple vendors (e.g., Univar Chemicals, Slack Chemical Co., Holland Company).
• Resolution 212: Authorize mayor to sign one-year contract with Montgomery County for grass/brush control on county highways for $148.00.
• Resolution 217: Approve memorandum of agreement with AFSCME Council 66, Local 1614, covering July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2026.
• Ordinance A: Prohibit feeding crows within the city; Ordinance B: Add no-stopping on north side of Northern Boulevard between Clizbe Avenue and 20 Northern Boulevard.

Planning Commission

The Amsterdam Planning Commission will meet to consider multiple site plan approvals for various commercial and residential uses. Applications include a tavern conversion, a real estate office, supportive living facilities, and library renovations.

• 171 East Main Street, Ste A: Legendary Temple LLC site plan to convert space into a tavern/bar
• 59 Lyon Street: Chad Majewski Real Estate site plan to convert building to a real estate office
• 78 Guy Park Avenue: IPH — Shelter & Supportive Housing site plan and special use for supportive living facilities
• 28 Church Street: Amsterdam Free Library site plan for library renovations

Common Council

The Common Council will vote on several resolutions, including authorizing a contract with Brent and Corey Yager for concessionaire services at River Link Park, and introducing ordinances to ban feeding crows and add no-stopping restrictions on Northern Boulevard. Public hearings are scheduled for CDBG microenterprise grants. The meeting also includes routine approvals of minutes, audits, and fund transfers.

• Resolution 206: Authorizes mayor to contract with Brent and Corey Yager for Riverlink Cafe concession at River Link Park, $2,000/year rent, 2023-2026
• Ordinance A: Prohibits feeding crows within city, amending Chapter 73
• Ordinance B: Adds no stopping on Northern Boulevard north side between Clizbe Avenue and 20 Northern Boulevard
• Resolution 202: Supports CDBG Microenterprise Assistance Program application for small business grants
• Resolution 205: Transfers $61,000 to water treatment plant chemicals fund

Common Council

The Common Council will vote on a series of resolutions covering budget transfers and amendments, including funds for pool chemicals, a DASNY grant for Shuttleworth Park, and a SCADA upgrade at the wastewater plant. It will also consider authorizing a memorandum of understanding with Montgomery County and the Walter Elwood Museum for a nature trail grant, and approving a surety bond agreement for the street lighting project. The agenda is otherwise routine, with no public hearings or major policy changes.

• Transfer $6,124 for Veterans Park Pool chlorine
• Budget amendment $113,677.88 for Shuttleworth Park from DASNY grant
• Budget amendment $16,676.30 for WWTP SCADA upgrade using ARPA funds
• Authorize MOU with Montgomery County and Walter Elwood Museum for $50,000 grant
• Authorize General Agreement of Indemnity for Niagara Grid street lighting project

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals is reviewing a use variance analysis submitted by AIK Property Group, LLC, prepared by Pamela Y Swanigan, comparing rates of return for various permitted and special permitted uses across multiple properties in Amsterdam. The analysis includes detailed financial projections for properties such as single-family, two-family, and three-family dwellings, as well as commercial, institutional, and community uses.

• Use variance analysis for AIK Property Group, LLC covering 26 Rockton St., 53 Arnold Ave., 110 Paddock Circle, 10 Brandt Place, 273-275 Division St., and other properties
• Comparative rate-of-return data for 24 property types including single-family dwellings (-2.38% to 12.21%), commercial uses (3.62%), and community park (-14.56%)
• Detailed financial projections for each property including costs, expenses, income, cap rates, and mortgage impacts

Planning Commission

The Amsterdam Planning Commission will hold a special meeting on February 22, 2023, to consider site plan approvals for three businesses: a taxi company office and garage at 147 Church Street, a hair salon at 16 Main Street, and an indoor commercial amusement at 2 Ann Street. The board will also receive a presentation on the Iroquois Landing project at 399 West Main Street and 52 Carmichael Street.

• 147 Church Street — site plan for Yellow Transportation LLC to use building as main office and garage for taxi vehicle maintenance
• 16 Main Street — site plan for Du or Dye Studio (Chelsie Lewis) for a hair salon offering hair, make-up, facials
• 2 Ann Street — site plan for Higher Grounds Holding, LLC (Matthew Burke) for indoor commercial amusement
• Special presentation: Iroquois Landing (Mohawk Valley Development) at 399 West Main Street and 52 Carmichael Street
• Special presentation: Arico Associated (Dominick Arico) at 17 Edward Street

Common Council

The Amsterdam Common Council will vote on 12 resolutions, including establishing a Smart Growth Comprehensive Planning Committee, authorizing a three-year leachate disposal contract with GottaDo Contracting, and approving several budget amendments and fund transfers. The agenda also includes a resolution to pay a weekly stipend to a consultant filling the vacant City Controller position.

• Resolution 171: Establish Smart Growth Comprehensive Planning Committee with 16 named members
• Resolution 179: Authorize 3-year leachate disposal contract with GottaDo Contracting at $0.04/gallon
• Resolution 178 (second): Pay Louise Biron $1,903.85/week as consulting controller until vacancy filled
• Resolution 173: Accept $98,499.75 NYS Healthcare Workers Bonus Program funding
• Resolution 170/172: Budget amendments for APD vehicle accident repairs ($3,040.41 and $11,521.42)

Common Council

The Common Council will vote on resolutions including revised contracts for selling 20 city-owned parcels to JAA1 Properties Corp. for $5,000 each, with new provisions allowing demolition instead of rehabilitation. The council will also consider budget amendments for accident repairs, fund transfers for the waterfront project and hydrant purchase, and authorize bids for water treatment plant chemicals.

• Resolution #22/23-164: Authorizes revised sale contracts for 20 parcels to JAA1 Properties Corp., each for $5,000, with $50,000 performance bonds per parcel
• Resolution #22/23-158: Authorizes bids for 2023-24 Water Treatment Plant chemicals
• Resolution #22/23-159: Budget amendment for APD patrol vehicle accident repair, $4,260.65
• Resolution #22/23-160: Budget amendment for DPW guard rail repair, $2,440.08
• Resolution #22/23-163: Transfer $34,382.50 to purchase 10 hydrants from EJ Prescott

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on four applications: two use and area variances from AIK Property Group to convert buildings into three-unit dwellings at 273-275 Division St and 10 Brandt Place, an area variance for a fence at 229 Church St, and a use variance for a taxi dispatch and maintenance facility at 147 Church St.

• 273-275 Division St: use variance to convert 2-family to 3-family dwelling and area variance for 3 fewer parking spaces than required
• 10 Brandt Place: use variance to convert 2-family to 3-family dwelling and area variance for insufficient off-street parking
• 229 Church St: area variance for a fence exceeding 4 feet in height within 50 feet of the street
• 147 Church St: use variance for a taxi dispatch office and maintenance facility for taxi fleet only

Golf Commission

The Amsterdam Municipal Golf Commission is overseeing off-season maintenance and preparations for the 2023 season. They discussed using insurance funds for a GPS system, renting a temporary pro shop, and addressing numerous course repairs, including cart paths, signage, and a bridge. The commission also reviewed maintenance budgets and equipment needs.

• GPS system: $85 per cart per month, ~$48,000 over two years, funded by $69,000 asbestos remediation insurance payout
• Temporary pro shop trailer: 6-month rental for $10,000, delivery expected 3/21-3/25
• Course signage: $1,235 from commissioners cup, plus $1,600 from Briteview allocation
• Bridge on hole 16: repair/replacement is a city project, decision pending
• Cart path repairs: Briteview unable to complete, commission seeking alternative

The commission decided to rent a temporary pro shop trailer for approximately $10,000 for six months. Members also agreed to use $69,000 in asbestos remediation insurance funds to pay for a GPS system costing approximately $3,500 per month. Brightview will not continue with cart path repairs due to the project's difficulty.

• Approved rental of temporary pro shop trailer for approximately $10,000 (6-month term)
• Allocated $69,000 asbestos remediation funds to pay for GPS system
• Determined Brightview will not continue cart path repairs
• Approved use of $1,235 from commissioners cup for course signage
• Established new domain name golfamsterdammuni.com
• Decided driving range will open AM and youth holes PM during summer
• Approved hiring of an assistant for day-to-day issues
• Decided to reduce the size of the putting green

Planning Commission

The Amsterdam Planning Commission will not hold its scheduled January 25, 2023 meeting because there are no new applications before the board. This is a procedural cancellation.

Common Council

The Common Council is meeting to vote on a series of resolutions, including a major agreement to purchase streetlights from National Grid for $847,886 as part of an LED conversion project. Other items include several fund transfers for gasoline, an ambulance purchase, a part-time clerk, and emergency repairs, plus a budget amendment for a DPW vehicle accident. The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes and an audit.

• Resolution authorizing agreement with National Grid for streetlight purchase, $847,886
• Fund transfer for gasoline/diesel for Police, Fire, Recreation, $15,227.50 total
• Fund transfer for AFD ambulance installment purchase, $47,860.87
• Fund transfer for Corporation Counsel part-time clerk, $7,700
• Budget amendment for DPW motor vehicle accident, $7,515.23

Common Council

The Amsterdam Common Council will vote on resolutions including a $20,167,813 bond issuance for various capital projects, the sale of city-owned property at 30 Glen Ave, and appointments to the Planning Commission. A public hearing is scheduled for the rehabilitation of 20-22 Main Street.

• Resolution authorizing $20,167,813 in bonds for capital purposes including fire truck, road reconstruction, water meter replacement, and more
• Resolution authorizing sale of 30 Glen Ave to LOA Group, LLC for $42,000
• Resolution supporting Restore NY grant application for 20-22 Main Street rehabilitation
• Public hearing on 20-22 Main Street, 6,300 sq ft vacant property proposed for rehabilitation
• Appointments to Planning Commission: Sandy Griffin, Kathy Peluso, Shonte Freeman, Sonnet Gravina, Donna Decker