Rochester City Council February Newsletter
From President Miguel A. Meléndez, Jr.
This February marks the 54th annual celebration of Black History month in America — a time to reflect on those who paved the way before us, mentored us and now show us the way toward equity across the nation and here in the City of Rochester.
That’s why this month, I’m dedicating this portion of the newsletter to highlighting the history all around us, and the actions this Council is taking to usher Rochester into a more equitable and prosperous future.
Just as I and my Council colleagues humbly stand on the shoulders of giants, we are working to build a foundation of safe streets, secure jobs and strong schools that will last for every generation that follows us.
But even Rochester’s most iconic figure Frederick Douglass did not change the world overnight, nor did he shift perspectives without understanding the existing sentiments of his time.
This month especially, I feel it’s crucial to say to you, my neighbors and fellow Rochesterians, that this Council hears you, and we’re working to find solutions to the issues you bring to us every month during Speak to Council meetings.
This Council is working diligently to serve its role alongside the administration in our system of checks and balances, bolstering City communications processes regarding the ongoing City property reassessment.
We hear your concerns, and we are taking every measure to ensure your assessment is fair, honest and correct.
I’d also like to highlight and commend the important work done by my colleagues on City Council.
Recently, I and six of my Council colleagues joined officials from across New York in Albany for the annual New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican Hispanic and Asian Legislators’ Legislative Conference. The relationships we forged and bolstered there will prove crucial in our efforts to keep Rochester in the minds of our state government.
Earlier in February, Council Vice President LaShay Harris hosted the second annual ROC Senior Estate Planning Summit, bringing a previously opaque system of wills, power of attorney and senior finance into sharp focus.
The summit brought together more than 100 Rochesterians, and connected them with important resources that will help as our city’s residents plan for the later stages of life.
Lastly, I’d like to express my appreciation to Governor Kathy Hochul who this week detailed the proposed New York State Budget, including a $25 million allotment to Rochester for anti-poverty initiatives in the city. This Council will advocate for those funds to remain in the final budget, and I’m eager to work with the City Administration to ensure that Rochester city residents are heard in this process.
Celebrating Frederick Douglass
Did you know Frederick Douglass picked Valentine’s Day as his chosen birthday? Or that he was at the first Women’s Rights Convention in nearby Seneca Falls?
All February, Rochester City Council has celebrated Black History and the life of Frederick Douglass with interesting facts about Rochester’s most famous abolitionist hero. Click the links below to take a look:
ROC Senior Estate Planning Summit
Rochester City Council Vice President LaShay D. Harris earlier this month hosted the second annual ROC Senior Estate Planning Summit, in collaboration with Mayor Malik D. Evans and Senior Expressions Founder/CEO Martha Hope.
“Too many of our city’s older adults have been starved of the resources necessary to plan for their estates and create generational wealth,” Council Vice President Harris said. “When I hosted the first Senior Estate Planning Summit, I vowed to help make sure wealth stays with Rochester’s families where it can be passed along to the next generation.”
The event, which brought more than 100 Rochester residents together at the Rochester Convention Center, focused on crucial topics related to aging like wills, identity theft protection and banking. Attendees learned from a series of lectures and were given the opportunity to interface with vendors offering advice and resources related to aging.
Rochester May Have the Job for You
Take a look at these open opportunities with the City of Rochester. To apply, visit www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofrochester
Farewell, Katy
This week, Rochester City Council bids farewell to Deputy Chief of Staff Katy Hasselwander.
Since beginning her career with Council almost exactly four years ago in February 2020, Katy has been pivotal in keeping Council operations smooth, effective and on task.
Katy will continue her career with the City of Rochester as the Rochester Public Library’s new Manager of Library Finance, bringing her unmatched experience, captivating personality and immutable can-do attitude to one of the City’s greatest institutions.
At the regular City Council meeting Tuesday, Councilmembers and staff presented Katy with a proclamation thanking her for her time with Council, and a framed photograph of City Council Chambers.
Although Katy will be dearly missed by all who have had the pleasure of working with her, she leaves behind a foundation that will drive City Council for the years to come.