(Photo Source: Kevin L. Smith of The Cortland Voice).
Here is the agenda for Tuesday’s (July 18th, 2023) Cortland Common Council meeting. The meeting will take place at City Hall (25 Cortland Street, Cortland NY 13045) at 6pm. According to the City of Cortland website, the meeting will also be live streamed Via Zoom video.
Here is the Zoom Meeting ID: 923 566 4700
Agenda
Public Hearings
Public Hearing #1 - Relating to Proposed Sale and Future Use of the Former Parker School Building
- In February 2023, the Council voted to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to find new ownership and development opportunities for the former school building. The City received one response - from Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) - to develop quality housing for modest-income workers including single parents, retirees on fixed incomes, and people with intellectual, developmental and mobility needs. On June 8, 2023, the City held a public meeting which included a presentation by INHS about their proposal and an opportunity for the community to ask questions and address their concerns. Additional information, including a Q&A document may be found on the City’s website. This public hearing provides an additional opportunity for the public to address questions and concerns. Written comments may be submitted until Noon the day of the public hearing to the City Clerk in person at 25 Court St. Cortland NY 13045 or via email at [email protected].
Public Hearing #2 - Relating to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) #285HR144-20, Which Provided Funding for the City-Wide Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program through the NYS Small Cities CDBG Program
- This is the second of two public hearings to be held during the administrative phase of CDBG grants. The purposes of this public hearing is to solicit public comments on the effectiveness of the administration of the CDBG program; provide information on the activities and progress toward goals and objectives; obtain citizens’ views on the CDBG Program; and respond to the public’s proposals, if any, and answer questions. Written comments may be submitted until Noon the day of the public hearing to the City Clerk in person at 25 Court St. Cortland NY 13045 or via email at [email protected]. For more information on the program, contact Thoma Development at 607-753-1433.
Finance Reports
Finance Report #1 - City Budget Year-to-Date
Finance Report #2 - Grant & Capital Projects
Finance Report #3 - American Rescue Plan Funding
Call to Order
- Roll Call
- Salute to the Flag
- Moment of silence/reflection
- Privilege of the floor
- Finance report
- Mayor’s report
- Ward Reports
- Approval of Minutes
Supporting Documents
Resolutions
Agenda Item #1 - Amend the 2023 Adopted Budget by $29,263
- WHEREAS, the Cortland Common Council is charged by the City Charter and Code with the preparation of an annual budget for the City of Cortland; AND
- WHEREAS, on December 20, 2022, the Common Council adopted the City Budget for 2023; AND
- WHEREAS, during the course of the fiscal year certain events occur that necessitate changing the budget plan by increasing or decreasing the total budget; AND
- WHEREAS, the Department of Administration and Finance recommends the following adjustments to the budget; AND
- WHEREAS, this resolution amends the City’s 2023 Adopted budget by $29,263 with appropriations to the Fire Department, Police Department, Public Works Department and Youth Bureau Department; AND
- WHEREAS, the Fire Department requests 5” Angus fire hose at the end of its useful life be declared surplus so it may be sold and any proceeds from the sale are appropriated to the sale of equipment revenue and the corresponding operating equipment expenditure code A3410-540500; AND
- WHEREAS, the Police Department sold surplus materials in the amount of $400 consisting of sale of mobile phone and requests to appropriate the funds to the operating equipment expenditure code A3120-540500; AND
- WHEREAS, the Police Department received a generous $750 donation from the Summit Federal Credit Union to be appropriated to the K9 Fund account to support the activities of the K9 Fund, account code TE0-2101; AND
- WHEREAS, the Police Department received a generous $4,000 donation from Cortland Rotary Breakfast Club to be appropriated to the Office Equipment line item A3120-520000; AND
- WHEREAS, the Public Works Department received an insurance recovery in the amount of $19,333 for the partial loss of a John Deer Loader #2371 and is requesting to appropriate the funds to A5110-540200 for motor vehicle equipment and repairs; AND
- WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Department requests to appropriate receipt of payment from the Village of DeRuyter to pay for lifeguarding activities for swim lessons in the summer of 2023 and appropriates the funding to the A7180-511000 account; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
- RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council on this 18th day of July 2023, that the 2023 budget be, and is hereby, amended in the amount of $29,263 as outlined in the accompanying table; AND BE IT
- RESOLVED FURTHER, that the City of Cortland Common Council declares Fire Department 5” Angus hoses numbered 5042, 059, 5008, (October 2004) 5012, 5015 (December 2004) and 2109 (December 2014) surplus property to advertise the equipment for sale.
Agenda Item #2 - Authorize the Mayor to Execute a Contract with BCA Architects and Engineers for an Engineering Study for the Green Innovation Grant Program Water Meter Project Grant Application
- WHEREAS, the City of Cortland has identified the need to upgrade and replace current water meters; AND
- WHEREAS, The City of Cortland Department of Public Works seeks grant opportunities to lower the cost to the City and its residents when possible and has identified a grant opportunity through the Green Innovation Grant Program; AND
- WHEREAS, the Green Innovation Grant Program requires an engineering study to be completed and submitted with the grant application for funding; AND
- WHEREAS, BCA Architects and Engineers have been identified as qualified and available to prepare the necessary engineering study in time for the grant application in late July; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
- RESOLVED that the City of Cortland Common Council does hereby authorize Mayor Steve to execute a contract with BCA Architects and Engineers for the commission of an engineering study for the Water Meter Project Grant application through the NYS Green Innovation Grant Program for a cost not to exceed $5,000.00.
Agenda Item #3 - Authorize Water Meter Upgrade Grant Applications
- WHEREAS, the City of Cortland intends to file applications for grant funding for Water Meter upgrades; AND
- WHEREAS, funds for the program will be requested from the Green Innovation Grant Program; AND
- WHEREAS, the anticipated cost of the project is $660,350 with a required match of $166,088 or 25% of the total award; AND
- WHEREAS, the match for this grant application will be sourced through Water Fund reserves and combination of 2023 year-end savings; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
- RESOLVED, that the Mayor or designee is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funds from the New York State Consolidated Funding process for Water Meter Upgrades and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute grant agreements with the State of New York for financial assistance to the City of Cortland, and, if appropriate, take actions necessary to implement the proposed grant project upon approval from the State; AND BE IT FURTHER
- RESOLVED, that the Council authorize the Director of Finance and Administration to complete any necessary budgetary and accounting transaction to secure and encumber the grant match funds through the water reserves and/or 2023 year-end savings.
Agenda Item #4 - Authorize Submission of a Climate Smart Grant for Homer Avenue Infrastructure Upgrades
- WHEREAS, the City of Cortland intends to file a Climate Smart Grant application for Homer Avenue infrastructure upgrades; AND
- WHEREAS, funds for the program will be requested from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Climate Smart Program and require the authorization of a 50% match which will be sourced from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
- RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council authorizes the submission of a grant application in the amount of $2 million dollars and a local match of $2 million sourced through the active EPA WIFIA loan; AND BE IT FURTHER
- RESOLVED, that Mayor Steve or his designee is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for grant funds from the New York State Climate Smart Grant for $4 million total project cost, and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute a grant agreement with the State for financial assistance to the City of Cortland, and, if appropriate, take actions necessary to implement the proposed grant project upon approval from the State.
Agenda Item #5 - Authorize Homer Avenue Infrastructure Upgrades Grant Applications
- WHEREAS, the City of Cortland intends to file applications for grant funding for Homer Avenue infrastructure upgrades to multiple agencies; AND
- WHEREAS, funds for the program will be requested from the Green Innovation Grant Program, and the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program; AND
- WHEREAS, the final required match for both grants will be funded through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT
- RESOLVED, that Mayor Steve or his designee is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funds from the New York State Consolidated Funding process for Homer Avenue Infrastructure Improvements and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute grant agreements with the State for financial assistance to the City of Cortland, and, if appropriate, take actions necessary to implement the proposed grant project upon approval from the State.
Agenda Item #6 - Authorize Mayor to Enter into a Lease Agreement on behalf of the City of Cortland with Davis Hill Development, LLC for the Operation of a Solar Energy Production Site
- WHEREAS, in 2022 the Common Council of the City of Cortland having previously approved the Mayor to enter into in an Option Agreement, together with a subsequent extension thereof, on behalf of the City with Davis Hill Development, LLC, each having been for a period of six (6) months for the purpose of evaluating whether a solar energy production site at 136 South Pendleton Street was fact feasible; and
- WHEREAS, said Option Agreement and extension thereof did not constitute a lease agreement; AND
- WHEREAS, Davis Hill Development, LLC has concluded after its period of evaluation that a solar energy production site at 136 South Pendleton Street is in fact a feasible project; AND
- WHEREAS, Davis Hill Development, LLC now seeks to secure a Lease Agreement with the City of Cortland for operation of a solar energy production site at 136 South Pendleton Street; AND
- WHEREAS Davis Hill Development, LLC and the City have since been involved in negotiations as to the terms of said Lease Agreement; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
- RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into a Lease Agreement on behalf of the City of Cortland with Davis Hill Development, LLC pursuant to the terms as outlined within said proposed Lease Agreement; AND BE IT FURTHER BE
- RESOLVED, that said Lease Agreement, if approved, shall be subject to any conditions set forth as a result of the County and/or City Planning approval process, as may be required.
Agenda Item #7 - Authorize the Mayor to Execute a Contract with Hummel’s Office Plus for the Procurement of Office Supplies
- WHEREAS, the City of Cortland has identified the benefit of participating in the contract for office supplies Cortland County legislature awarded in March 2023 after a Request for Proposals was issued on January 27, 2023 and proposals were received on March 2, 2023; AND
- WHEREAS, two bids were received and the lowest responsible bidder was identified as Hummel’s Office Plus, 25 Canal Street, Mohawk, NY 13407; AND
- WHEREAS, in accordance with New York State procurement regulations and the City of Cortland Procurement policy, the City may participate in other local government contracts that are considered to be cost-saving and advantageous to the City and tax-payers; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
- RESOLVED that the City of Cortland Common Council does hereby authorize Mayor Steve to execute a contract with Hummel’s Office Plus for office supplies as identified by the price list attached to this resolution, effective August 1, 2023 for the term of one-year with the option to extend for three one-year terms.
Agenda Item #8 - Authorize the Mayor to Enter into a Lease Agreement on behalf of the City of Cortland with Davis Hill Development, LLC for the Operation of a Solar Energy Production Site
- WHEREAS, in 2022 the Common Council of the City of Cortland having previously approved the Mayor to enter into in an Option Agreement, together with a subsequent extension thereof, on behalf of the City with Davis Hill Development, LLC, each having been for a period of six (6) months for the purpose of evaluating whether a solar energy production site at 136 South Pendleton Street was fact feasible; and
- WHEREAS, said Option Agreement and extension thereof did not constitute a lease agreement; AND
- WHEREAS, Davis Hill Development, LLC has concluded after its period of evaluation that a solar energy production site at 136 South Pendleton Street is in fact a feasible project; AND
- WHEREAS, Davis Hill Development, LLC now seeks to secure a Lease Agreement with the City of Cortland for operation of a solar energy production site at 136 South Pendleton Street; AND
- WHEREAS Davis Hill Development, LLC and the City have since been involved in negotiations as to the terms of said Lease Agreement; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
- RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into a Lease Agreement on behalf of the City of Cortland with Davis Hill Development, LLC pursuant to the terms as outlined within said proposed Lease Agreement; AND BE IT FURTHER BE
- RESOLVED, that said Lease Agreement, if approved, shall be subject to any conditions set forth as a result of the County and/or City Planning approval process, as may be required.
Agenda Item #9 - Resolution to Authorize the Award of Microenterprise Assistance Program Funds Under Community Development Block Grant #285ME506-22
- WHEREAS, the City of Cortland was awarded $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Microenterprise funds to administer a Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP) in the City pursuant to CDBG #285ME506-22; AND
- WHEREAS, the City of Cortland solicited applications from eligible Microenterprises for assistance provided under the above referenced CDBG; AND
- WHEREAS, funding for this Program is competitive requiring that applications be rated and reviewed by an established MAP Review Committee said Committee to subsequently make recommendations of funding to the City’s Common Council which is charged with making final approval for all funding under CDBG #285ME506-22; AND
- WHEREAS, the City’s MAP Review Committee is recommending the award of $25,500 to Ayla Fialko, DBA Ruby Acupuncture Clinic located in the McNeil Building, 17-29 Main Street; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
- RESOLVED, that the City’s Common Council does approve the award of $25,500 to the business referenced above subject to terms and conditions as required under the CDBG Microenterprise regulations and as established by the MAP Review Committee; AND BE IT FURTHER
- RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the City of Cortland is authorized to sign commitment letters detailing the terms and conditions of the award of these funds and any other document(s) necessary to implement the award of said funding.
Agenda Item #10 - Approve Special Event Permit and Street Closure Application for the Third Annual Empire State Classic 4-Mile Run on July 29, 2023
- WHEREAS, organizers of the Empire State Classic 4-Mile Run have submitted a Special Event Permit application and Street Closure application for the purposes of holding the running event on the grounds of SUNY Cortland on July 29, 2023; AND
- WHEREAS, the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works and City Clerk’s Office have reviewed applicable aspects of these permit applications and recommended their approval; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
- RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council does hereby approve for issuance by the City Clerk a Special Event Permit Empire State Classic 4-Mile Run to be held on July 29, 2023; AND BE IT FURTHER
- RESOLVED, that the Common Council does hereby approve the closure of Broadway from Warren Street to Pashley Drive from 10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on July 29, 2023.
Agenda Item #11 - Approve Special Event Permit and Sound Device Permit for the Treating Disorders 5K Fun Run on September 9, 2023
- WHEREAS, organizers of the Treating Disorders 5K Fun Run have submitted a Special Event Permit application for the purposes of holding the Fun Run beginning and ending at Suggett Park from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on September 9, 2023; AND
- WHEREAS, organizers have submitted a Sound Device Permit application for a fixed-location speaker and microphone to be used from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on September 9, 2023; AND
- WHEREAS, the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works, Youth Bureau and City Clerk’s Office have reviewed applicable aspects of these permit applications and recommended their approval; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
- RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council does hereby approve for issuance by the City Clerk a Special Event Permit and a Sound Device Permit without fee for the Treating Disorders 5K Fun Run to be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on September 9, 2023.
Agenda Item #12 - Affirm the Issuance of a Mobile Ice Cream Vendor License to Meg-A-Moo’s Ice Cream
- WHEREAS, § 213 of the City Administrative Code sets forth rules and regulations for ice cream trucks and authorizes the City Clerk to issue a license to operate; AND
- WHEREAS, Meg-A-Moo’s Ice Cream has submitted an application for a mobile ice cream vendor license; AND
- WHEREAS, said applicant has met all of the requirements set forth in the Administrative Code and has paid the application fee; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
- RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council acknowledges and affirms the issuance of a mobile ice cream vendor license to Meg-A-Moo’s Ice Cream.
Agenda Item #13 - Approve Recommendations of Board of Public Works and the City Relative to Municipal Parking Lots and Permitted Parking Therein
- WHEREAS, City of Cortland Common Council adopted Local Law No. 13-2023 relative to parking regulations and the authority of the Common Council over the same; AND
- WHEREAS, consistent with the language in said local law, certain matters relative to parking regulations were brought before the Board of Public Works (“Board”) for the purpose of the Board’s review and to provide recommendations to the Common Council as to those matters being contemplated; AND
- WHEREAS, that upon review, the Board recommends that the Common Council approve the following identified municipal lots allow for permitted parking:
- WHEREAS, that upon review, the Board recommends that the Common Council approve of and adopt the following parking permit types, relative to municipal parking lots or otherwise, and further recommends that the City commence with the issuance of the same under the terms as outlined:
- WHEREAS, the Board further recommends that the City identify a point of contact for purposes of parking, permits, and related areas; AND
- WHEREAS, the City recommends that the point of contact be identified as the City of Cortland City Clerk’s Office with a telephone number of (607) 758-8331; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
- RESOLVED, that consistent with the provisions of Local Law No. 13-2023, the Common Council does hereby adopt the recommendations as outlined above with respect to City of Cortland parking lots, parking permits, parking permit rates, and point of contact for the same; AND BE IT FURTHER
- RESOLVED, the Common Council delegates to the City Clerk responsibility to implement policies, procedures and information systems by which to administer a parking permit system consistent with the parking regulations adopted herein.
Agenda Item #14 - Amend All City Parking Citation Fines and Fees
- WHEREAS, the City is moving to an electronic citation system that was approved by the Common Council in December 2022; AND
- WHEREAS, as part of that change there is a need to update the fine and fee structure for all citations; AND
- WHEREAS, certain processing costs related to the new system which can be as high as $8.00 for various transaction fees will be covered through the increase in the fine and fee structure for parking citations; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
- RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council on this 18th day of July 2023, authorizes the increase to the fines and fees outlined in the table below.
Agenda Item #15 - Appoint Tenet Representatives to the Cortland Housing Authority Board
- WHEREAS, Cortland Housing Authority tenets recently elected two tenant representatives for the Board of directors; AND
- WHEREAS, Tari Robbins and Teresa Cullip, both residents of 51 port Watson St. were elected; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
- RESOLVED, that Tari Robbins and Teresa Cullip are hereby appointed to the Cortland Housing Authority Board for a term beginning August 1, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2025.
Discussion Items
Discussion Item #1 - Former Parker School Building
