City of Amsterdam

This document appears to be a transcript segment from a council meeting, focusing on procedural actions such as making a motion and confirming the presence of council members.

The agenda for this session included several resolutions presented under New Business. Key items for consideration involved the reappointment of multiple Commissioners of Deeds, an amendment to the budget concerning opioid settlement funds, a resolution to transfer funds for equipment purchase at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), and a resolution approving an audit. The meeting structure also included sections for Engineering Reports, Old Business, committee scheduling, and potential Executive Sessions.

The meeting included public participation where attendees addressed topics ranging from local elections and municipal services like fireworks and animal protection to broader issues such as US foreign policy and war crimes. The City Engineer provided updates on several infrastructure projects, including the Broadway Hill sanitary sewer improvements expected to commence in April, a minor leak repair on Market Street scheduled for March 4th, the near completion of the CDBG Demolition project by the end of March, and the start of street paving in May. A critical discussion point involved the Crescent Avenue Bridge construction, which is anticipated to impact access to the Amsterdam Mohawks park until the second week of July, necessitating clear communication regarding ingress and egress. New Business resolutions included appointing Commissioners of Deeds, amending the budget for opioid settlement funds to secure a second laptop for forensic analysis, transferring funds for the purchase of a new Bobcat at the WWTP to handle larger polymer totes, and renewing the lease agreement for the Port Jackson Bocce Club with clearer definitions of use area and non-discrimination clauses. The committee also addressed chemical bids for the WTP. Discussions were held regarding the Safe Streets Working Group, including the effectiveness of existing speed signs and the potential implementation of traffic calming measures like speed humps and elevated crosswalks. Unpaid parking tickets were noted to be sent to the Fonda DMV office after three infractions.

Key discussions during the meeting included public participation on various topics such as street lights, creating a public meeting space, green corridors, and ordinances related to dogs and fireworks. The City Engineer provided an update and discussed the requirements for adding new curbs, ensuring ADA compliance. The Mayor outlined significant Capital Projects, including $30 million for the Waste Water Treatment Plant and $7 million for dam removal. A major focus was the proposed $4 million DPW garage replacement, with discussions on utilizing $2.7 million in CHIPS funding for demolition and street paving, as the current building is considered unusable by the City's insurance company. New Business resolutions involved appointing members to the City of Amsterdam Planning Commission and authorizing 2026 fees for Recreation Department events. A resolution to pay a claim for damaged mailboxes was not passed after extensive discussion regarding plow damage liability and potential budget line items for future claims. Additionally, resolutions were passed authorizing the issuance of bonds totaling approximately $5.98 million for a new Community Center (at 149 E. Main Street and Hamilton Street) and $725,000 for road reconstruction as part of Complete Street projects.

Key discussions included a presentation by BCNI regarding their Plus One ADU Program, aimed at providing grants for Accessory Dwelling Units. The City Engineer provided an update on the CDBG funded Demolition Project, noting progress and anticipated completion dates, and discussed street paving contracts, including the extension with Del Signore Blacktop Paving, Inc., and plans for DPW garage improvements using CHIPS money. The City Controller discussed the financial report covering seven months of spending and the ongoing audit, noting that budget submissions from department heads were due February 26th. New business resolutions included waiving advance notice for a liquor license, authorizing the purchase of a laptop for the APD using State Seizure Funds for cell phone breakdown, and reappointing members to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Commission. A resolution was also passed authorizing a contract for improvements to the Broadway Sanitary Sewer.