Mechanicville public meetings in 2023
38 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
December 13, 2023
The City Council approved several resolutions regarding water infrastructure and grants. A proposal to hire a part-time Deputy Commissioner of Finance was denied, while a part-time assistant was approved.
- Approved Animal Shelter Agreement (5-0)
- Approved USDA Water Additional Engineering Services (5-0)
- Approved CDBG Grant (5-0)
- Approved Assessor resolution (4-1)
- Denied Part-time Deputy Commissioner of Finance (2-3)
- Approved Part-time Assistant (5-0)
- Approved Public Hearing for Stormwater (5-0)
- Accepted November 8, 2023 Meeting Minutes (5-0)
December 6, 2023
The Commission approved the Police Officer and Special Police Officer eligible lists. The board also approved the Mechanicville School District payroll certification and the minutes from the November 1, 2023 meeting.
- Approved November 1, 2023 meeting minutes
- Approved Payroll Certification for the Mechanicville School District
- Approved Special Police Officer Eligible List
- Approved Police Officer Eligible List
November 20, 2023
The Committee approved making Burke Street one-way and established new no-parking zones on Central Avenue, Saratoga Avenue, and Cypress Street. The committee also voted to keep existing 'No Right on Red' signs on Central Avenue.
- Approved Burke Street as one-way from James Street to Canal Street (Unanimous)
- Approved no-parking zone from Central Avenue to the corner of Saratoga Avenue (Unanimous)
- Approved no-parking from 8:00am to 4:00pm on both sides of Cypress Street (Unanimous)
- Approved keeping 'No Right on Red' signs on Central Avenue (Unanimous)
November 13, 2023 Police Civilian Review Commission
The Police Civilian Review Commission reviewed Complaint #23-126404 in executive session. The Commission decided the complaint was unfounded, attributing the issue to a failure of departmental policy rather than guilt.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Approved October 23, 2023 meeting minutes
- Ruled Complaint #23-126404 unfounded (5-0)
November 8, 2023
The City Council failed to pass the 2024 budget and a resolution for a full-time clerk due to tie votes. However, the council approved several other resolutions including budget transfers, a copier contract, and an eldercare agreement.
- 2024 Budget (Resolution 105-2023) failed (2-2)
- Full-time Clerk position (Resolution 106-2023) failed (2-2)
- Approved Police-Civilian Affairs Review Commission re-appointment (4-0)
- Approved Retirement System Reporting (4-0)
- Approved Copier Contract (4-0)
- Approved Eldercare Agreement 2024 (4-0)
- Approved Public Hearing for Code of Ethics (4-0)
- Approved Budget Transfers, Budget Amendment, and Payroll/Vouchers (4-0)
November 1, 2023
The Mechanicville Civil Service Commission approved the eligible lists for Clerk and Typist. The commission also approved an updated job specification for the Automotive Mechanic/Motor Equipment Operator role. Personnel changes for the City and School District were reported.
- Approved October 4, 2023 meeting minutes
- Approved Eligible List for Clerk
- Approved Eligible List for Typist
- Approved updated job specification for Automotive Mechanic/Motor Equipment Operator
October 23, 2023 Police Civilian Review Commission
The commission reviewed two complaints during an executive session. One complaint was found to be resolved, while another was tabled pending further information from the complainant.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Approved September 11, 2023 meeting minutes
- Complaint #23-127105 closed as resolved (All in Favor)
- Complaint #23-126404 tabled until November meeting (All in favor)
October 11, 2023
The City Council approved several personnel appointments and administrative contracts, including a part-time code enforcement officer and a contract with Honeywell Law Firm. The council also authorized an RFQ for a water system improvement project and a budget amendment. Residents expressed significant opposition to the lack of a city bus for seniors during public comment.
- Approved part-time Code Enforcement Officer (4-0)
- Approved RFQ for Water System Improvement Project (4-0)
- Approved Honeywell Contract (4-0)
- Approved USI Broker of Record Agreement (4-0)
- Approved Budget Amendment (4-0)
- Approved Payroll and Vouchers (4-0)
- Approved part-time Clerk (4-0)
- Approved mileage for Animal Control Officer (4-0)
October 4, 2023
The Commission approved the September 6, 2023 meeting minutes. The board reviewed personnel appointments and resignations for the School District, Library, and Housing Authority. New examinations for Transportation Supervisor and Director of Information Technology were announced.
- Approved September 6, 2023 meeting minutes
- Reported 6 appointments and 6 resignations for Mechanicville School District
- Reported 2 appointments for Library
- Reported 1 appointment for Mechanicville Housing Authority
- Scheduled Transportation Supervisor examination for December 2, 2023
September 26, 2023
Following a public hearing, the City Council approved a water rate increase effective October 1, 2023. The Council decided to cut the originally proposed rate increase in half after residents expressed concerns regarding water loss and the city's fund balance.
- Approved Resolution 93-2023 to increase water rates (4-0)
- Set Inside Minimum Rate to $131.67
- Set Outside Minimum Rate to $236.28
- Set Inside Rate to $3.99 per 100 cubic feet
- Set Outside Rate to $7.16 per 100 cubic feet
September 13, 2023
The City Council approved the creation of a part-time Code Enforcement Officer position despite public opposition. Other approved actions included code book changes, a stormwater drainage study, and ADA compliance measures. The Council also scheduled public hearings for a bus bid and water rates.
- Approved creation of part-time Code Enforcement Officer position (4-0)
- Approved Code Book Changes Resolution 82-2023 (4-0)
- Approved Stormwater Drainage Study Resolution 83-2023 (4-0)
- Approved ADA Compliance Resolution 84-2023 (4-0)
- Approved United Court System Contract Resolution 85-2023 (4-0)
- Approved Animal Control Officer pay change Resolution 86-2023 (4-0)
- Approved Dam Improvement Project closeout Resolution 87-2023 (4-0)
- Approved public hearings for bus bid and water rates (4-0)
September 12, 2023
The Board approved a change in tenancy for a new deli and granted a special use permit to convert a single-family home into a three-unit building. A request to convert a commercial unit to residential was also approved, along with a site plan for a new single-family home.
- Approved change in tenancy for a deli (6-0)
- Approved special use permit to convert 101 South Third Street from one unit to three units (5-1)
- Approved conversion of a commercial unit to residential at 138 North Second Ave (5-1)
- Approved site plan for a single-family house at 277 Saratoga Avenue (6-0)
- Approved minutes from the previous meeting (6-0)
September 11, 2023 Police Civilian Review Commission
The commission met on September 11, 2023, to conduct procedural business. No substantive policy decisions, complaints, or reports were addressed during the meeting.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Approved the June 5, 2023 meeting minutes
September 6, 2023
The Commission approved the Lists of Eligibles for Occupancy Specialist, Safety Liaison, and Senior Library Clerk. The board also reviewed personnel changes for the City, School District, Library, and Housing Authority.
- Approved June 7, 2023 meeting minutes
- Approved List of Eligibles for Occupancy Specialist
- Approved List of Eligibles for Safety Liaison
- Approved List of Eligibles for Senior Library Clerk
August 9, 2023
The City Council approved several resolutions, including the purchase of a stock fire pumper truck through HGAC to replace a 2000 KME vehicle. The council also authorized a public bid for a bus and a public bid for splash pad drawings. Other approved actions included a budget amendment and a second supplemental bond for the Water Treatment Plant.
- Approved purchase of new fire pumper truck (Resolution 80-2023) (4-0)
- Approved public bid for splash pad (Resolution 79-2023) (4-0)
- Approved public bid for bus (Resolution 78-2023) (4-0)
- Approved rejection of previous bus bid (Resolution 77-2023) (4-0)
- Approved Barton and Loguidice Agreement (Resolution 76-2023) (4-0)
- Approved Animal Control Officer (Resolution 75-2023) (4-0)
- Approved budget amendment (Resolution 73-2023) (4-0)
- Approved second supplemental bond for WTP (Resolution 72-2023) (4-0)
July 12, 2023
The City Council approved a resolution to solicit bids for a new senior bus and held a public hearing regarding a CDBG grant application for raw water system improvements. A proposal to change the city's form of government to a City Manager system failed to pass. The council also approved several administrative resolutions including a stormwater drainage study.
- Approved resolution to authorize a bid for a new senior bus (4-0)
- Failed to pass resolution for Charter Recommendation on Government Change (2-2)
- Approved CDBG grant application for raw water system improvements
- Approved Stormwater Drainage Study resolution (4-0)
- Approved Full-time Laborer resolution (4-0)
- Approved Recreational Leader Supervisor resolution (3-1)
- Approved Parking Lot Lease resolution (4-0)
- Approved June 14, 2023 Meeting Minutes (4-0)
June 14, 2023
The City Council approved several code amendments regarding abandoned automobiles, outdoor storage, residential occupancy, and street parking. The council also authorized the hiring of three full-time and one part-time police officer and approved a Brownfield Opportunity designation. A request for a new ADA-accessible senior bus was discussed but not decided.
- Approved Code Amendments for Abandoned Automobiles, Outdoor Storage, and Residential Occupancy (4-0)
- Approved Code Amendments for Streets and Parking/Traffic Changes (4-0)
- Approved Brownfield Opportunity designation (4-0)
- Approved hiring of full-time police officers McClements, Mauleon, and Traina (4-0)
- Approved hiring of part-time police officer McLaughlin (4-0)
- Approved purchase of new Chevrolet Tahoe (4-0)
- Approved Dump Body Award Bill (4-0)
- Approved Budget Amendment (4-0)
June 7, 2023
The Commission approved a change to the residence requirements for the Clerk examination announcement. The board also reviewed personnel changes for the Mechanicville School District and noted the posting of the Police Officer examination.
- Approved minutes from May 3, 2023 meeting
- Approved updated Residence Requirement for the Clerk examination announcement
June 6, 2023
The Board granted area variances for a shed and a floating deck. A special use permit was approved to convert a property into a three-family residence, while another similar application was tabled pending clarification on the property's current legal status.
- Approved area variance for shed at 164 South Main to be 2 feet from property line (5-2)
- Approved area variance for 12x12 floating deck at 183 Saratoga Ave to be 2 feet from property line (7-0)
- Approved special use permit to convert 7 Short Street to a three-family residence (5-2)
- Tabled application for three-family conversion at Third Street pending clarification of single vs. two-family status (7-0)
- Approved motion to recommend a moratorium on special use permits for apartments to City Council (7-0)
- Approved minutes from the previous meeting (7-0)
June 5, 2023 Police Civilian Review Commission
The commission approved the meeting agenda, the May 8, 2023 meeting minutes, and public comment guidelines. No other substantive business was conducted.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Approved May 8, 2023 meeting minutes
- Approved public comment guidelines
May 10, 2023
The City Council approved several resolutions including a vehicle purchase and a bid for a dump body. The council also authorized public hearing notices for code changes and a Brownfield Opportunity designation. Multiple re-appointments to the Civil Service and Police-Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission were approved.
- Approved vehicle purchase (Resolution 36-2023) (3-0)
- Approved public hearing for Brownfield Opportunity (Resolution 37-2023) (3-0)
- Approved re-appointment to Police-Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission (Resolution 38-2023) (3-0)
- Approved re-appointment to Civil Service (Resolution 39-2023) (3-0)
- Approved bid for dump body (Resolution 40-2023) (3-0)
- Approved Youth Service Project Agreement (Resolution 41-2023) (3-0)
- Approved public hearing notice (Resolution 42-2023) (3-0)
- Accepted April 12, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
May 8, 2023 Police Civilian Review Commission
The commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the April 6, 2023 meeting. The body entered executive session to discuss public comment guidelines and legality with Attorney Paul Aloy and completed training on hate crimes.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Approved April 6, 2023 meeting minutes
May 3, 2023
The Commission approved updates to the Library Manager job specification and accepted the Eligible List for the Chief Information Officer position. Personnel changes were reported for the city, library, and school district.
- Approved minutes from April 5, 2023
- Approved changes to Library Manager job specification
- Accepted Eligible List for Chief Information Officer
April 12, 2023
The City Council approved a revised fee schedule and a contract for HVAC replacement at the Community Center. The board also passed several budget amendments, transfers, and a nutrition agreement.
- Approved Fee Schedule (3-0, 1 abstain)
- Approved MACSC HVAC Replacement Contract (4-0)
- Approved Clifton Park Halfmoon Emergency Corp. Agreement (4-0)
- Approved Nutrition Agreement (4-0)
- Approved Budget Amendments Resolutions 30 and 31 (4-0)
- Approved Budget Transfers Resolutions 32 and 33 (4-0)
- Approved Payroll and Vouchers (4-0)
- Approved NYSEG Resolution 35 (4-0)
April 5, 2023
The Commission approved the eligible list for the Library Clerk position. It also accepted payroll certifications for the City of Mechanicville, the Mechanicville Library, and the Mechanicville Housing Authority.
- Approved March 1, 2023 meeting minutes
- Accepted Eligible List for Library Clerk
- Accepted payroll certification for Mechanicville Library
- Accepted payroll certification for Mechanicville Housing Authority
- Accepted payroll certification for City of Mechanicville
April 3, 2023 Police Civilian Review Commission
The Commission reviewed body camera footage and responses from Chief Rabbitt regarding a specific complaint. Following this review, the Commission voted unanimously to determine the complaint was unfounded.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Approved March 6, 2023 meeting minutes
- Set public comment time to 4 minutes per person
- Determined complaint No 23-123658 was unfounded (unanimous)
March 30, 2023
The Traffic Safety Committee unanimously approved the addition of stop signs and specific one-side parking restrictions on several streets. A proposal for 'No Right on Red' at Central Avenue was deferred pending a review of incident reports.
- Approved two stop signs at Hulin Street and Stillwater Avenue (Unanimous)
- Approved odd-side parking only on Saratoga Avenue, East Saratoga Avenue, and Penrose Avenue (Unanimous)
- Approved even-side parking only on Frances Street (Unanimous)
- Tabled 'No Right on Red' at Central Avenue pending incident report review
March 14, 2023
The Board approved a site plan to increase units at 40 Burke Street and granted a change in tenancy for a metal building business at 132 Central Avenue. It also granted area variances and a lot line adjustment for 115 Round Lake Avenue to resolve property encroachments.
- Approved Site Plan Review to convert 3-unit building to 4-unit building at 40 Burke Street (4-0)
- Granted area variance for fence placement on property line at 164 South Main Street (4-0)
- Approved change in tenancy for NC Carports and Garages at 132 Central Avenue with a 6-month building department review (4-0)
- Granted rear setback reduction to 9 feet at 115 Round Lake Avenue (4-0)
- Granted lot depth reduction from 100 to 89 feet at 115 Round Lake Avenue (4-0)
- Approved lot line adjustment for 115 Round Lake Avenue (4-0)
March 8, 2023
The City Council approved several resolutions including code changes, an animal control agreement, and the hiring of a DPW laborer and two part-time police officers. A resolution to approve the employee handbook failed to pass. The council also approved lot line adjustments and a water contract.
- Approved Animal Control Agreement (5-0)
- Approved DPW Laborer hire (5-0)
- Approved Code Changes (5-0)
- Approved part-time police officers Alonzo and Swanson (5-0)
- Approved LOSAP resolution (5-0)
- Denied Employee Handbook resolution (2-2 with 1 abstention)
- Approved Water Contract (5-0)
- Approved Lot line Adjustments (5-0)
March 6, 2023 Police Civilian Review Commission
The commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from September 26, 2022. The board held an executive session to discuss de-escalation training. No other substantive actions were recorded.
- Approved meeting agenda
- Approved September 26, 2022 meeting minutes
- Entered executive session for de-escalation training
March 1, 2023
The Commission approved the creation of a new Librarian 1 title with a starting salary of $45,000. The board also reviewed personnel changes for the City, School District, and Library, and confirmed the submission of the 2022 Annual Report.
- Approved new title of Librarian 1 with $45,000 starting salary
- Approved February 1, 2023 meeting minutes
- Reported 2022 Annual Report to NYS Civil Service Commission was submitted
- Billed Mechanicville School District $14,144 for 2022 budget share
February 27, 2023
The City Council held a public hearing and voted to adopt Local Law 01-2023 regarding firefighter exemptions. The law provides tax exemptions for active volunteer firefighters who meet residency and service requirements.
- Approved Local Law 01-2023 Firefighter Exemption (5-0)
February 8, 2023
The Council approved several personnel resolutions and a budget amendment. A public hearing was held regarding proposed changes to the City Code, though no vote was taken on the changes during this meeting.
- Approved Civil Service Chairperson re-appointment (5-0)
- Approved Patrol Sergeant promotion (5-0)
- Approved hiring of part-time police officer (5-0)
- Approved resignation (5-0)
- Approved budget amendment (5-0)
- Approved payroll and vouchers (5-0)
- Accepted January 11, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
February 6, 2023 Police Civilian Review Commission
The Commission reviewed five complaints using body cam footage and responses from Chief Rabbitt. All five complaints were unanimously decided to be unfounded.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Approved December 5, 2022 meeting minutes
- Decided five complaints were unfounded (unanimous)
February 1, 2023
The Commission approved the minutes from the January 4, 2023 meeting. The board reviewed personnel changes for the Mechanicville School District and salary increases for three library employees. Upcoming civil service examinations for March 2023 were announced.
- Approved January 4, 2023 meeting minutes
- Recorded appointment of Courtney Groves as Teacher Aide (NC) Temporary
- Recorded appointment of Kelly Guiliano as Teacher Aide (NC)
- Recorded appointment of Casey Hollenbeck as Teacher Aide (NC)
- Recorded appointment of Lindsay Jenkins as Teacher Aide (NC) Temporary
- Recorded resignations of Kelly Hastings, Deborah Merchant, and Jennifer Muscato
- Recorded removal of Kaylee Maynard as Teacher Aide
- Approved salary increase to $14.20/hr for Ambria Jackson, Stephanie Liotta, and Josephine Pisculli
January 30, 2023
The committee reviewed reports on Strong Mayor and City Administrator forms of government to replace the current Commissioner system. Members discussed the need for charter revisions and proposed holding public hearings in February, March, and April. No final recommendation was decided upon.
- Penciled in potential public hearing dates for March 1, March 13, and March 23
- Proposed a Strong Mayor structure including a full-time Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Comptroller, and Office of Community Services
- Proposed a City Manager-Council structure with an appointed manager and a 5-person elected council
- Recommended contracting with a human resources firm for training and recruitment regardless of the chosen government form
January 11, 2023
The City Council approved a wage increase and renewed a contract with Auctions International. The council also passed resolutions regarding a stormwater study, water system improvements, and a public hearing for code changes.
- Approved increase of wages (5-0)
- Approved Auctions International contract renewal (5-0)
- Approved resolution for public hearing on code changes (5-0)
- Approved stormwater study resolution (5-0)
- Approved water system improvement resolution (5-0)
- Approved payroll and vouchers (5-0)
- Approved adoption of Roberts Rules of Order (5-0)
- Accepted December 14, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
January 4, 2023 Civil Service Commission
The Commission approved the minutes from two previous meetings and certified the school payroll. The board also reviewed a report of personnel changes for the School District and the City of Mechanicville.
- Approved December 7, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved December 21, 2022 special meeting minutes
- Approved certification of school payroll