Louise Biron

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.

The meeting covered numerous resolutions, including the adoption of previous minutes, the waiving of the 30-day advanced notice application for a liquor license at LLV's Bridge and Tap, and the authorization to purchase a laptop computer using state seizure funds for the detective division's use in executing search warrants and analyzing cell phone data. Key personnel actions involved appointing Erica Ramirez to the Zoning Board of Appeals and reappointing Diane Stabber to the City of Amsterdam Planning Commission, and David Niles Nelson to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Infrastructure and finance discussions included authorizing a contract extension with Bill Signor Blacktop Paving Inc. for the 2026 street paving program, awarding a contract for improvements to the Broadway sanitary sewer line to handle increased flow from a new industrial park development, and a budget transfer resolution to reallocate funds due to under-budgeted line items. Additionally, the council addressed a correction to the sale price of 18 Mayor Street and approved a contract with Philips Leto LLP for foreclosure prosecution services, as well as authorizing a contract with Civic Plus for a required FOIL management system.

The meeting addressed several resolutions as part of its consent agenda. Discussions included the reappointment of members to the City of Amsterdam Planning Commission, including Amy Joe Stewart and Kathy Tuso. Authorization was sought for payment regarding damage to mailboxes caused by plowing, where potential future solutions like moving the mailbox location or establishing a dedicated budget line for replacement were considered. Further consent resolutions involved approving the 2026 fees for the recreation department events and activities, and authorizing bond issuances for the construction of a new community center (partially covered by DRI/reimbursable grants) and for funding a portion of the estimated maximum cost for reconstruction of roads related to the Complete Streets projects, which includes changes to Skylar Street and East Main Street alignment. Committee reports covered discussions from the recreation meeting, including streamlining sports registrations using a shared platform, and updates on communications with CDTA regarding the Five Corners project and potential business input.

The meeting involved discussions on several resolutions, including adopting minutes, appointing a deputy mayor, and authorizing 2026 recreation department event and activity fees. The fee schedule was presented, noting that fees remained the same as the previous year despite discussions about needing to generate more revenue. There was an extensive discussion regarding a decrease in summer camp enrollment, potentially due to increased school district and park summer programming, such as coach clinics and park supervision. Another resolution addressed purchasing 200 pairs of ice skates for $5,500 from a vendor leaving the business, with potential for future revenue generation by renting them out. The agenda also covered approving an audit, committee assignments (noting one change regarding recreation), appointing a Commissioner of Deeds, and waving the 30-day advanced notice for a liquor license for Pool Prodigy LLC (formerly Sharpshooters) to allow for a sidewalk cafe addition. Finally, the council reviewed and discussed proposed fee adjustments for the golf commission after comparing rates with other golf courses, noting minimal increases (5% or less) to reward loyal patrons.