(Photo provided by Kevin L. Smith of The Cortland Voice).
Here is the agenda for Tuesday’s (February 20th, 2024) 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
Call to Order
- Roll Call
- Salute to the Flag
- Moment of silence/reflection
- Privilege of the floor
- Mayor’s report
- Ward Reports
- Approval of Minutes
Supporting Documents
Resolutions
Agenda Item #1 - Amend the 2024 Adopted Budget by $4,400 to Recognize a Donation
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 19, 2023, the Common Council adopted the City Budget for 2024; 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 2024 Adopted budget by $4,400 with appropriations to the Youth Bureau Donald Sharpe Trust Account TE0-2090; AND
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau received a generous donation from Mrs. San Jule for lights at the San Jule pavilion; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council on this 20 day of February 2024, that the 2024 budget be, and is hereby, amended in the amount of $4,400; AND, BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Common Council recognizes and extends its gratitude to Mrs. San Jule and family for the generous donation to help maintain facilities used by the community.
Agenda Item #2 - Approve Special Event Permit and Sound Device Permit for the YMCA 5K Run Event on March 16, 2024
WHEREAS, the YMCA of Cortland has submitted a Special Event Permit application for the purposes of holding a 5K Run event from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on March 16, 2024; AND
WHEREAS, the organizer has submitted a Sound Device Permit application for a fixed-location speaker and microphone to be used during the event; AND
WHEREAS, that upon recommendation by the Police Department, two officers will be assigned to assist with traffic, the event organizers will provide volunteers to assist with traffic control at every intersection/street crossing and runners will use sidewalks rather than roadways; AND
WHEREAS, the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works, Youth Bureau and City Clerk’s Office have reviewed all other applicable aspects of these permit applications and recommend 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 Sound Device Permit without fee for the YMCA 5K Run event from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on March 16, 2024 in accordance with the amended application.
Agenda Item #3 - Authorize the Award of Microenterprise Assistance Program Funds under a Community Development Block Grant
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 reviewed and rated by an established MAP Review Committee; AND
WHEREAS, based on its review and ratings, the MAP Review Committee makes funding recommendations to the Common Council which is charged with final approval for all funding under CDBG #285ME506-22; AND
WHEREAS, the City’s MAP Review Committee is recommending the award of $20,000 to Brett Barnes, DBA Crown City Media located at 215 Tompkins St.; AND
WHEREAS, Brett Barnes has disclosed certain conflicts of interest pursuant to CDBG Program regulations that the City will disclose publicly as required under the CDBG Program; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Common Council does hereby approve the award of $20,000 to Brett Barnes, DBA Crown City Media subject to terms and conditions as required under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Microenterprise regulations and as established by the Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP) Review Committee; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that Mayor Steve shall disclose the conflicts of interest as disclosed by Mr. Barnes to the City, and 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 #4 - Adopt the Pro-Housing Community Pledge
WHEREAS, the City of Cortland (hereinafter “local government”) believes that the lack of housing for New York residents of all ages and income levels negatively impacts the future of New York State’s economic growth and community well-being;
WHEREAS, the housing crisis has negative effects at regional and local levels, we believe that every community must do their part to contribute to housing growth and benefit from the positive impacts a healthy housing market brings to communities;
WHEREAS, we believe that supporting housing production of all kinds in our community will bring multiple benefits, including increasing housing access and choices for current and future residents, providing integrated accessible housing options that meet the needs of people with sensory and mobility disabilities, bringing economic opportunities and vitality to our communities, and allowing workers at all levels to improve their quality of life through living closer to their employment opportunities;
WHEREAS, we believe that evidence showing that infill development that reduces sprawl and supports walkable communities has significant environmental and public health benefits; and
WHEREAS, we believe that affirmatively furthering fair housing and reducing segregation is not only required by law, but is essential for keeping our community strong and vibrant; NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY
RESOLVED that the City of Cortland, in order to take positive steps to alleviate the housing crisis, adopts the ProHousing Communities pledge, which will have us endeavor to take the following important steps: 1. Streamlining permitting for multifamily housing, affordable housing, accessible housing, accessory dwelling units, and supportive housing. 2. Adopting policies that affirmatively further fair housing. 3. Incorporating regional housing needs into planning decisions. 4. Increasing development capacity for residential uses. 5. Enacting policies that encourage a broad range of housing development, including multifamily housing, affordable housing, accessible housing, accessory dwelling units, and supportive housing
Agenda Item #5 - Authorization to Enter into an Agreement for Grant Writing Services with TenKate Grant Services
WHEREAS, the Cortland Fire Department has had success in applying for various Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants which have included equipment, personnel and apparatus; AND
WHEREAS, the Department no longer has the expertise of a grant writer on staff to successfully execute applications for various grants; AND
WHEREAS, TenKate Grant Services has submitted a proposal for writing the following Assistance to Firefighter Grants for a total payment not to exceed $4,500; AND
WHEREAS, TenKate Grant Services has proven success with FEMA Grants for the Cortland Fire Department for many years; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council authorizes the Fire Chief to enter into an agreement with TenKate Grant Services in an amount not to exceed $4,500.00 for services in writing grant applications for three (3) FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grants to be charged to A3410-541500 (Professional Services) from the 2024 Budget.
Agenda Item #6 - Authorize Memorandum of Understanding for FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Application for Regional Radio Equipment
WHEREAS, the Cortland Fire Department uses all available financial resources to provide technical tools and equipment that meets the needs of our department in serving the citizens of Cortland; AND
WHEREAS, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant funding has proven successful for the department in acquiring needed equipment, apparatus and staffing; AND
WHEREAS, the Cortland Fire Department recognizes a need to replace portable radio equipment which is imperative to the operations of the department and current equipment is 10 years old; AND
WHEREAS, the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program provides for regional grant applications for equipment which is more favorable for an award; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
WHEREAS, the Virgil Fire District has agreed to be the fiscal agent for the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Regional Radio Grant application and has prepared a Memorandum of Understanding with regional partners to manage this grant; AND
WHERAS, the anticipated total grant will be approximately $889,000 with a 10% match, the City of Cortland will benefit from 56 radios being replaced at an estimated cost of $187,000 with a required 10% match totaling $17,046; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council authorizes Mayor Steve to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the Virgil Fire District and allocates one-time, general fund dollars totaling $17,046.00 in the 2025 budget; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that Mayor Steve or his designee may execute any necessary grant documents and budget appropriations if the grant is awarded.
Agenda Item #7 - Authorize FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Vehicle Acquisition Grant Application for a Replacement Ladder Truck
WHEREAS, the Cortland Fire Department uses all available financial resources to provide technical tools and equipment that meets the needs of our department in serving the citizens of Cortland; AND
WHEREAS, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant funding has proven successful for the department in acquiring needed equipment, apparatus and staffing; AND
WHEREAS, the Cortland Fire Department recognizes a need to replace the 1995 reserve Aerial ladder truck which is 29 years old and is beyond its expected service life; AND
WHEREAS, the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program allows for application for replacement fire service vehicles; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council authorizes the Fire Chief to apply for a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Vehicle Acquisition Grant for a replacement ladder truck in the amount of $1,000,000.00 with a federal share of $952,380.95 and a local 5% share of $47,619.05 which needs to be allocated from one time general fund dollars in the 2025 budget AND; FURTHER
RESOLVED, that estimated additional funds needed for the cost of the apparatus above the Federal grant award amount of $1,200,000 for a total of $1,246,619 shall be allocated from one-time general fund dollars in the 2025 budget; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that, if awarded, Mayor Steve is hereby authorized to sign any necessary grant award agreements and documents.
Agenda Item #8 - Authorize FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Operations and Safety Grant Application for Hose Replacement
WHEREAS, the Cortland Fire Department uses all available financial resources to provide technical tools and equipment that meets the needs of our department in serving the citizens of Cortland; AND
WHEREAS, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant funding has proven successful for the department in acquiring needed equipment, apparatus and staffing; AND
WHEREAS, the Cortland Fire Department recognizes a need to replace large diameter supply hose on fire apparatus that has reached its service life and potentially will start failing; AND
WHEREAS, the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Operations and Safety Grant Program allows for application for operations-related purposes which include fire hose replacement; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council authorizes the Fire Chief to apply for a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Operations and Safety Grant for replacement of large diameter supply hose in the amount of $47,500.00 with a federal share of $45,125.00 and a local 5% share of $2,375.00 which will be absorbed by the department’s operational budget; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that, if awarded, Mayor Steve is hereby authorized to sign any necessary grant award agreements and documents.
Agenda Item #9 - Abolish and Create Position in the Youth Bureau
WHEREAS, there is a full-time position of Motor Equipment Operator (Light)/Mechanic in the Youth Bureau with an annual salary of $51,126.40; AND
WHEREAS, there is an anticipated vacancy in this position in April 2024; AND
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has requested to establish a Recreation Maintenance Supervisor II to supervise seasonal and part-time staff established in the 2024 budget; AND
WHEREAS, this position would also hold the classification of a CDL License to expand departmental operations; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the full time position of Motor Equipment Operator (Light)/Mechanic with an annual salary of $51,126.40 is hereby abolished; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that a full time position of Recreation Maintenance Supervisor II with an annual salary of $50,086.40 - $58,531.20 is hereby created upon approval from Cortland County Civil Service and funds for the position change will be absorbed within the 2024 budget.
