Friends, neighbors, and fellow Trojans,
Yesterday marked 60 years since the official “activation” of Troy’s water treatment plant, an exciting moment that included a visit from then-Governor Nelson Rockefeller who spoke during a special dedication ceremony at the facility on May 16, 1966.
Ten years ago, the city recognized the 50th anniversary of this historic event with a guided tour of the water treatment plant. It demonstrated the prior administration’s commitment to invest in upgrading critical water infrastructure, foreshadowing the start of a $40 million project to replace the water transmission lines between the reservoir and treatment plant.
The City Council remains committed to investing in Troy’s water and sewer infrastructure, including replacement of lead service lines in neighborhoods across our city. With the continued support from Governor Hochul, Assemblymember McDonald and other legislative officials, I am confident we can build a stronger, healthier future for our community.
Let’s recap the latest news and recent council meeting discussions.
Oversight, Accountability, Transparency
In response to the ongoing issue with the proposed contract with Flock, the council continues to push reforms and increase oversight and transparency. Earlier this month, we initiated legal action to invalidate the mayor’s illegal emergency declaration she issued to pay Flock after the council tabled the proposed contract renewal with the company.
As we have indicated previously, the City Council believes automated license plate readers (APLRs) can be a critical tool for law enforcement. However, like any rapidly involving technology, it requires oversight of how it’s used to protect personal privacy and ensure transparency. The council has asked for more data and advanced a draft policy that would establish clear rules for use of this technology, data retention, and internal access.
We have also sought meetings with the Troy Police Department to discuss this draft policy. Having a dialogue with Chief DeWolf and command staff would provide valuable input to ensure this legislation addresses public concerns over privacy while preserving the department’s ability to investigate crime in our city. Unfortunatelty, we have been blocked by the administration from meeting with TPD. We hope the mayor will seek a collaborative relationship with the council to finalize this important policy.
This isn’t the council’s only actions to restore transparency around the city’s finances and the renewal of contracts. Last month, we proposed legislation to require the administration notify the city council 120 days before any renewal deadline for contracts or legal agreements between the city and outside entities (vendors, companies, etc.). We feel this gives the public and council ample time and opportunity to scrutinize how taxpayer dollars are being spent.
Unfortunately, the mayor’s staff immediately opposed the measure. In response, the administration’s acting corporation counsel refused to approve the legislation for placement on an agenda, claiming the city council has no authority to direct the administration to do anything.
We continue to push this legislation forward and hope to reach a conclusion soon.
Recent Council Meetings
The council’s Law Committee met last month to discuss a number of topics and issues.
First, we heard from CSEA leadership who represent the city’s unionized workforce. They outlined difficulties their team and legal representatives have experienced in communicating with the mayor’s administration. We then questioned the administration, including deputy mayor Donnelly, on the dispute over the labor contract agreement with CSEA.
Next, we heard from representatives of the Knickerbacker Park Association on the status of the lease with the city and potential unpaid rent. This is the latest dispute involving the mayor and a contract with an outside organization.
In both cases, the Mantello administration is taking an aggressive and confrontational approach with these entities. This is unhelpful in resolving disputes, and we pressed the mayor and her staff to bring down the temperature. The council even offered to help mediate to bring the different sides together, but we are not optimistic the administration will take up our offer.
The meeting concluded with questions for Alex Horton, the city’s Records Access Officer, and Corporation Counsel Rick Morrissey about concerns over how the administration handles FOIL requests.
During our Finance Committee meeting, the council approved various ordinances and resolutions. The agenda is available on the city website.
We also heard from a number of speakers about the proposed Flock contract and the mayor’s “state of emergency” issued to pay the company in clear violation of the city charter. As noted above, the issue has not escaped the council’s attention, and we will provide more updates as they becomes available.
I’ll be sending another update soon from our most recent meetings on May 7.
Resignation of IDA Chair
As reported by the Albany Business Review, Jeff Betts recently resigned as chair of Troy’s Industrial Development Authority (IDA). He was also a member of the Troy Local Development Corporation (TLDC).
There are obviously many issues with how the Mantello administration uses the TLDC and IDA, often rushing through key approvals for projects (like the controversial and unecessary relocation of city hall). That’s why it’s critical the next IDA chair come from a professional background and be independent of the political pressures that create distrust with taxpayers.
The appointment of a new chair comes from the mayor, but it requires the council’s approval. I have encouraged the mayor to work with the council on picking a mutually-agreeable candidate.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or issues that are impacting your neighborhood.
Onward,
Sue Steele
Council President