Mechanicville public meetings in 2020

December 16, 2020

The Mechanicville Civil Service Commission approved the minutes from the November 4, 2020 meeting and reviewed a list of personnel changes, including resignations, appointments, removals, and leaves. Chairperson Robens noted a change under letter (L) and has contacted Chief Rabbitt for clarification. The Administrative Secretary test has not been released by the State due to COVID-19, and the commission will announce it once available. No new business was discussed, and the meeting adjourned at 2:18 p.m.

• Approved minutes of November 4, 2020 meeting
• Reviewed personnel changes: Keith Cummings resigned as Teacher Aide (9/4/20) and appointed as Food Service Helper (9/5/20)
• Noted Kelsey Dion resigned as Teacher Aide (1/24/20), Sheila Malone removed as Food Service Helper/Bus Attendant (4/16/20)
• Noted Karey Finelli reinstated as Teacher Aide (3/16/20), Scott Putnam removed as Laborer (11/16/19)
• Noted Nicholas Romeo removed as Mechanic (3/10/20), Mary Ann Smith appointed as Bus Attendant (11/6/20)
• Noted Mike Ronda hired as MEO (10/5/20), David Sims hired as Laborer (10/23/20)
• Noted Police Department leaves/resignations on 5/29/20 due to elimination of Desk Officer positions: Jennifer Lescovich, Nickolas Dunn, Kevin Rose, Christopher Alonzo, Mary Lou Cebula
• Noted FMLA leaves: Deborah Savaria (9/14/20) and Ellen Zittel (9/8/20) as Food Service Helpers

December 9, 2020

The Mechanicville City Council held public hearings on the South Central Drainage Improvement Project, the First Avenue/Mechanic Street water main project, and the 2021 budget. The council approved the 2021 budget (Resolution 118-2020) with a tax rate increase of less than $0.02 per $1,000, and also approved a budget amendment (Resolution 119-2020) and transfer (Resolution 120-2020). The council approved Resolution 112-2020 for attorney fees with a 3-0 vote (two abstentions), and unanimously approved resolutions for LOSAP, tax sales, police reform, and a contract amendment for the Central Avenue project.

• Approved 2021 budget with tax rate increase of less than $0.02 per $1,000 (5-0)
• Approved budget amendment and transfer (5-0 each)
• Approved attorney fees resolution (3-0, with two abstentions)
• Approved Timothy Cuilla LOSAP for 2020 (5-0)
• Approved tax sale approvals for 237 South Main Street and 14 Warsaw Avenue (5-0 each)
• Approved Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative (5-0)
• Approved Central Avenue Improvement contract amendment with Barton & Loguidice (5-0)
• Approved payroll and vouchers (5-0)

December 9, 2020

The provided text is the City of Mechanicville's website navigation and homepage content, not a meeting agenda. It includes general information about city services, a free tree program, and community resources, but no specific agenda items for the December 9, 2020 meeting.

• Free tree program with Capital Roots, planting anticipated around November 4, 2026
• Zim Smith Trail described as 2.5-mile paved trail from Elizabeth Street to Coons Crossing Road
• Community Center offers youth programs, after-school activities, food assistance, and senior events

December 7, 2020 IDA

This agenda for the Mechanicville/Stillwater IDA meeting on December 7, 2020, contains only website navigation and boilerplate content. No meeting-specific agenda items, resolutions, or discussions are listed. The document appears to be a placeholder or error.

December 7, 2020 IDA

The Mechanicville-Stillwater IDA approved the Best Avenue Ventures LLC project following a public hearing and prior special meeting, with a roll call vote of 6-0 (one absent). The board also hired Gina Kenyon as an independent contractor for a new Administrative Assistant Consultant position at $4,200 per year and amended the 2021 budget accordingly.

• Approved Best Avenue Ventures LLC project (6-0, Jan Sylvester absent)
• Hired Gina Kenyon as Administrative Assistant Consultant independent contractor at $4,200/year (unanimous)
• Amended 2021 budget to include new position and expenditure (unanimous)
• Accepted November 16, 2020 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Treasurer's report with $57,036.30 balance (unanimous)

November 16, 2020 IDA

The Mechanicville-Stillwater IDA voted unanimously to accept the application from Best Avenue Ventures, LLC for a proposed warehouse and parking project at the former Patenaude facility on Best Avenue, and to move forward to a public hearing. The applicant is seeking a 10-year PILOT with graduated tax payments. The public hearing is scheduled for December 7, 2020, likely to be held virtually due to COVID-19.

• Accepted minutes from September 14, 2020 meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted Treasurer's Report showing bank balance of $57,036.30 (unanimous)
• Accepted Best Avenue Ventures application and moved to public hearing, subject to revised application (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for December 7, 2020 at 5:15 p.m., likely virtual

November 16, 2020 IDA

This agenda for the Mechanicville/Stillwater IDA meeting on November 16, 2020, contains only boilerplate website navigation and general city information. No specific agenda items, resolutions, or discussions are listed.

November 4, 2020

The provided text contains website navigation, community resources, and news, but does not include an agenda for the November 4, 2020 meeting. There are no items listed for discussion or decision by a governing body.

October 7, 2020

The Mechanicville Civil Service Commission approved the minutes from September 2, 2020, and reviewed a report of personnel changes. Katherine Federiconi was appointed as Children's/YA Librarian (provisional) on 9/14/20, Mike Gaudette and William Mahoney were appointed as Laborers, and William Mahoney was later removed as Laborer on 7/25/20. Dave Fusco retired as MEO on 9/30/20. No old or new business was discussed.

• Approved minutes of September 2, 2020 meeting
• Noted appointment of Katherine Federiconi as Children's/YA Librarian (prov.) on 9/14/20
• Noted appointment of Mike Gaudette as Laborer on 6/11/20
• Noted appointment of William Mahoney as Laborer on 2/16/20
• Noted removal of William Mahoney as Laborer on 7/25/20
• Noted retirement of Dave Fusco as MEO on 9/30/20

August 12, 2020

The Mechanicville City Council approved all 13 resolutions on the agenda, including a bid award to Peter Luizzi & Brothers Contracting LLC, a lease with the Mechanicville/Stillwater Little League, and the hiring of one full-time and two part-time police officers. The council also approved a budget transfer, a budget amendment, and payroll and vouchers. A lengthy public discussion occurred regarding the Mayor's decision to keep city playgrounds closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with several residents and Commissioner McGuire expressing disagreement.

• Approved Resolution 63-2020, bid award to Peter Luizzi & Brothers Contracting LLC (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 64-2020, Mechanicville/Stillwater Little League Lease (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 65-2020, Monolith to SunLight General (4-0)
• Approved Resolutions 66-2020 and 67-2020, accepting resignations of Cory Wagner and Joseph McQueen (4-0)
• Approved Resolutions 68-2020 and 69-2020, hiring William Roy and Colin Winters as part-time police officers (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 70-2020, hiring Michael Burgess as a full-time police officer (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 71-2020, Michael Rubino Broadcasting (3-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved Resolution 72-2020, Assessment Lawsuit Attorney (3-0, 1 abstention)

June 25, 2020

The Mechanicville Civil Service Commission approved personnel changes, including provisional appointments, retirements, and a reduction in hours. It also approved the annual Secretary resolution, created seniority lists for potential layoffs, and approved creating an Administrative Secretary position for the School District. The Commission agreed to request an examination for the Secretary to the Chief of Police position and will seek documentation from the School District regarding a terminated mechanic.

• Approved personnel changes report (MSD 426A) including appointments, retirements, and a reduction in hours
• Approved annual Secretary resolution (all in favor)
• Created seniority lists for potential layoffs due to school budget decreases
• Approved creation of Administrative Secretary position for School District (all in favor)
• Agreed to request examination for Secretary to the Chief of Police position
• Will request documentation from School District regarding terminated mechanic

June 10, 2020

The Mechanicville City Council approved the appointment of Lyn Murphy as City Attorney (Resolution 43-2020) by a 3-1 vote, with Commissioner McGuire dissenting after questioning the hiring process and salary. The Council also approved a franchise agreement with Spectrum, a CSEA memorandum, and several other appointments and contracts. Commissioner Gilheany's resignation was accepted, and the Council discussed extending the local state of emergency and reopening plans for City Hall and the senior center.

• Approved Resolution 39-2020: Franchise Agreement with Spectrum Northeast (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 40-2020: Memorandum of Agreement with CSEA (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 41-2020: Zoning and Planning member re-appointment (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 42-2020: Appointment of Dan O'Connor to Zoning and Planning Board of Appeals (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 43-2020: Appointment of Lyn Murphy as City Attorney (3-1, Commissioner McGuire dissenting)
• Approved Resolution 44-2020: Re-Appointment of James Thompson to Civil Service Commission (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 45-2020: Orion Demolition & Environmental Services Change Order (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 46-2020: Firetruck Purchase (4-0)

May 13, 2020

The Mechanicville City Council approved 14 resolutions, including hiring two full-time police officers, promoting Matthew Dunn to sergeant, and changing the water bill due date to July 31, 2020. The council also approved a USDA small business loan program, with Commissioner McGuire abstaining and voicing a conflict-of-interest concern regarding The Express. All other resolutions passed unanimously, with Commissioner Gilheany absent.

• Approved Resolution 25-2020: Payment to 96-100 North Main Street LLC (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 26-2020: USDA Small Business Loan (3-0, McGuire abstained)
• Approved Resolution 27-2020: Frank Schaeffer as full-time Police Officer (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 28-2020: Marie Abraham as full-time Police Officer (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 29-2020: Matthew Dunn promotion to Sergeant (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 30-2020: Donna Peluso to Civil Service Commission (3-0, McGuire abstained)
• Approved Resolution 36-2020: Water bill distribution and due date change to July 31, 2020 (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 38-2020: Payroll and Vouchers (3-0, McGuire abstained)

April 8, 2020

The April 8, 2020 City Council meeting was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. No decisions were made or items discussed.

March 23, 2020

The Mechanicville-Stillwater IDA adopted a resolution allowing Stillwater Solar LLC to make purchases exempt from sales taxes, with a 6-0 roll call vote. The board also approved the 2019 audit, annual report, and Paris Report filing, and extended a sales tax exemption for Key Capture Energy through 2020. The meeting was held telephonically due to COVID-19.

• Adopted Stillwater Solar LLC resolution for sales tax exemption (6-0)
• Approved 2019 Audit and Financial Report (unanimous)
• Approved 2019 Annual Report (unanimous)
• Approved filing of Paris Report by end of month (unanimous)
• Extended Key Capture Energy sales tax exemption to end of 2020 (unanimous)
• Amended 2020 budget to pay Ed Galka up to $2,500 (unanimous)

March 23, 2020 IDA

The IDA unanimously adopted a resolution allowing Stillwater Solar LLC to make sales-tax-exempt purchases for its Graves Road project, with each officer authorized to sign closing documents. The board also extended Key Capture Energy's sales tax exemption through 2020, approved the 2019 audit and annual report, and amended the 2020 budget to pay Ed Galka up to $2,500.

• Adopted Stillwater Solar LLC resolution (6-0)
• Extended Key Capture Energy sales tax exemption to end of 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved 2019 Audit and Financial Report (unanimous)
• Approved 2019 Annual Report (unanimous)
• Amended 2020 budget to allow up to $2,500 payment to Ed Galka (unanimous)
• Approved filing of Paris Report by end of month (unanimous)

March 11, 2020

The Mechanicville City Council approved multiple resolutions, including appointing William Rabbitt Jr. as Chief of Police with a salary of $84,000, and approving a contract for diagnostic services. The council also approved a temporary full-time police officer position for Michael Burgess and other routine items. All resolutions passed with 4-0 votes, with one abstention on the diagnostic services contract and the assessor's hours resolution.

• Approved appointment of William Rabbitt Jr. as Chief of Police (4-0)
• Approved Michael Burgess as temporary full-time police officer (4-0)
• Approved diagnostic services contract with extension (3-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved assessor's hours resolution (3-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved Roger Jackson to Board of Assessment Review (4-0)
• Approved Sasha's Superhero Run (4-0)
• Approved Sub King water bill adjustment (4-0)
• Approved additional train station services (4-0)

February 24, 2020

The Mechanicville Civil Service Commission approved the MHA payroll and set annual goals including moving the office, improving communication with department heads, and attending Civil Service trainings. They also discussed the creation of a Behavior Specialist position and agreed to grant veterans credits to Brian Lockhart.

• Approved MHA payroll (all in favor)
• Agreed to grant veterans credits to Brian Lockhart
• Set annual goals: move office, improve communication, attend trainings
• Approved minutes of February 4, 2020 meeting

February 5, 2020

The Mechanicville City Council voted 3-1 to abolish the 'Desk Officer'/'Dispatcher' positions and move dispatch services to the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office, with Commissioner McGuire voting no. The council also approved hiring a part-time clerk for the Accounts Office (3-1, McGuire no) and several other resolutions, including appointing a Civil Service chairperson and contracting for eldercare transportation. The meeting included extensive public comment and discussion on the dispatch change, with Acting Chief Rabbitt presenting a plan and answering questions.

• Approved Resolution 06-2020 abolishing desk officer/dispatcher positions (3-1)
• Approved Resolution 07-2020 hiring Joyce Gorman as part-time Accounts clerk (3-1)
• Approved Resolution 05-2020 appointing DawnMarie Robens as Civil Service chairperson (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 09-2020 eldercare transportation contract with Stillwater (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 10-2020 SCWA contract award to Spring Electric (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 11-2020 SCWA contract award to Anjo (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 08-2020 Purple Heart Community designation (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 12-2020 payroll and vouchers (4-0)

January 6, 2020

The Mechanicville Civil Service Commission met on January 6, 2020, and approved the minutes from the November 19, 2019 meeting. The commission handled several administrative items, including approving an application for Eileen Day and noting the resignation of Police Officer Kim Cooney. No major policy decisions were made; the commission was asked to review current policies for potential changes at a future meeting.

• Approved minutes of November 19, 2019 meeting
• Approved application for Eileen Day
• Noted resignation of Police Officer (PT) Kim Cooney effective 12/31/19