Common Council

John M. Sparace John A. Reilly 1st Ward 5th Ward John B. Mortise Riccardo D. Dursi, Jr. 2nd Ward 6th Ward Linda Fazio OFFICE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL David E. Sbaraglia 3rd Ward CITY HALL • ROME, NEW YORK 13440-5815 7th Ward Ramona L. Smith John A. Nash Eric Seelig 4th Ward Common Council President City Clerk TO STREAM MEETINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL LIVE ON YOUTUBE, PLEASE VISIT WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/@ROMENEWYORK_OFFICIAL/STREAMS. COMMON COUNCIL MEETING JULY 22, 2026 REGULAR SESSION 7:00 P.M. 1. CALL THE ROLL OF MEMBERS BY THE CLERK 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. INVOCATION 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARING 5. RECOGNITION/APPRECIATION 6. READING OF MINUTES OF PRECEDING SESSION 7. PRESENTING OF PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS a. Petitions b. Communications • The following financial reports for quarter ended 6/30/26 have been received and filed in the City Clerk’s Office: - Senior Citizens Council of Rome, NY - South Rome Senior Citizens Center - Rome Art and Community Center 8. NOTICES 9. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS 10. REPORT OF COUNCILORS AND GENERAL CITY AFFAIRS 11. PRESENTATION OF REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 12. RESOLUTIONS RES. NO. 93 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ROME TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE NEW YORK STATE CANAL CORPORATION AND OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION, AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOR THE CANALWAY GRANT PROGRAM AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FUND GRANT ($825,000.00). Andrews  RES. NO. 94 AUTHORIZING WAIVER OF APPLICATION FEES FOR RIGHT OF WAY PERMITS FOR INSTALLING A TEMPORARY BANNER. Guiliano RES. NO. 95 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ROME TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF STATE FOR THE BROWNFIELDS OPPORTUNITY AREAS PROGRAM FOR THE ERIE BOULEVARD AND DOWNTOWN ROME BOA’S SITE ASSESSMENTS PROJECT ($300,000.00). Andrews RES. NO. 96 AUTHORIZING WAIVER OF APPLICATION FEES FOR RIGHT OF WAY PERMITS FOR ROME ROTARY IN REGARDS TO CANAL FEST. Guiliano RES. NO. 97 AUTHORIZING USE OF FUNDS FROM THE SEWER DEPT RESERVE ACCOUNT (ES884) TO FUND THE SEWER IMPROVEMENTS CAPITAL PROJECT (HSAO). Adams 13. ORDINANCES ORD. NO. 9889 AUTHORIZING THE CLOSING OF STREETS FOR TABERNACLE OF PRAISE MINISTRIES PASTOR SERVICES. Fazio ORD. NO. 9890 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ROME TO AMEND THE TRANSFERS OF 8366 WEST THOMAS STREET AND 8368 WEST THOMAS STREET TO ROME BUILDING CONTRACTORS, INC. Domenico 14. LOCAL LAWS 15. TABLED LEGISLATION ORD. NO. 9884 AMENDING ROME CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 80 TO PROHIBIT THE III ESTABLISHMENT, INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS WITHIN THE CITY OF ROME. Mortise, Sbaraglia 16. VETOED LEGISLATION 17. ADJOURNMENT COMMON COUNCIL JULY 22, 2026 RESOLUTION NO. 93 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ROME TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE NEW YORK STATE CANAL CORPORATION AND OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION, AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOR THE CANALWAY GRANT PROGRAM AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FUND GRANT ($825,000.00). By Councilor _______________: WHEREAS, Matthew J. Andrews, Deputy Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development for the City of Rome, New York, has requested the authorization to submit an application to the New York State Canal Corporation and Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for the Canalway grant program and the Environmental Protection fund grant, for the Muck Road Boat Launch Phase 1 Project, at an amount not to exceed $825,000.00, with a required 25% local match not to exceed $225,000.00, for a total project cost not to exceed $1,050,000.00; and WHEREAS, funding for said project will be as follows: Canal Grant Request $150,000.00 (match provided by EPF fund) OPHRP Grant Request $675,000.00 (match provided by local match) Local Match $225,000.00 Total Project Estimate $1,050,000.00 ; now, therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Rome is hereby authorized and directed to submit an application to the New York State Canal Corporation and Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for the Canalway grant program and the Environmental Protection fund grant, for the Muck Road Boat Launch Phase 1 Project, at an amount not to exceed $825,000.00, with a required 25% local match not to exceed $225,000.00, for a total project cost not to exceed $1,050,000.00, pursuant to the description which is attached hereto and made part of this Resolution; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Rome, New York is authorized and directed to accept these grant funds in an amount not to exceed $825,000.00 for the project described in the grant application; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the City of Rome and his designees are hereby authorized to execute any documents related to the above-mentioned grant, and if awarded funding, with any and all other contracts, documents and instruments necessary to fulfill the City of Rome’s obligation under said Grant Application; and  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Treasurer is hereby authorized to create a capitol project account for the purpose of accepting and expending said funds. Seconded by Councilor _________________. AYES & NAYS: Sparace __ Mortise __ Fazio __ Smith__ Reilly__ Dursi __ Sbaraglia __ ADOPTED ___ DEFEATED ___ COMMON COUNCIL JULY 22, 2026 RESOLUTION NO. 94 AUTHORIZING WAIVER OF APPLICATION FEES FOR RIGHT OF WAY PERMITS FOR INSTALLING A TEMPORARY BANNER. By Councilor ______________: WHEREAS, Joseph Guiliano, Commissioner of Public Works of the City of Rome, has recommended waiving application fees for Right of Way permits, for installing a temporary banner by the Rome Chamber of Commerce for the Honor America Days event on Turin Road and Black River Blvd., at amount not to exceed $175.00; now, therefore BE IT RESOLVED, by the City of Rome Common Council, that Commissioner Guiliano is hereby authorized to waive said fees and that Brian Adams, City of Rome Treasurer, shall and is hereby authorized to make such accounting entries as may be necessary to comply with any local, state or federal rule, regulation or law to waive application fees for Right of Way permits, for installing a temporary banner by the Rome Chamber of Commerce for the Honor America Days event on Turin Road and Black River Blvd., at amount not to exceed $175.00. Seconded by Councilor ________________. AYES & NAYS: Sparace __ Mortise __ Fazio __ Smith__ Reilly__ Dursi __ Sbaraglia __ ADOPTED ___ DEFEATED ___ COMMON COUNCIL JULY 22, 2026 RESOLUTION NO. 95 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ROME TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF STATE FOR THE BROWNFIELDS OPPORTUNITY AREAS PROGRAM FOR THE ERIE BOULEVARD AND DOWNTOWN ROME BOA’S SITE ASSESSMENTS PROJECT ($300,000.00). By Councilor _______________: WHEREAS, Matthew J. Andrews, Deputy Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development for the City of Rome, New York, has requested the authorization to submit an application to the New York State Department of State for the Brownfields Opportunity Areas Program for the Erie Boulevard and Downtown Rome BOA’s Site Assessments Project, at an amount not to exceed $300,000.00, with a required 10% local match not to exceed $30,000.00, for a total project cost not to exceed $330,000.00; and WHEREAS, funding for said project will be as follows: BOA Grant Request $300,000.00 Local Match $30,000.00 (2027 AG 8020) Total Project Estimate $330,000.00 ; and WHEREAS, the project will include Phase 1 and 2 environmental site assessments for several properties within the Downtown Rome BOA and the Erie Boulevard BOA designated areas; and WHEREAS, 530 Harbor Way was previously part of the former General Cable Corporation Manufacturing Complex (wire making and coating), and later used as a storage and shipping business known as Mosca Brothers Moving and Storage. The manufacturing complex included interconnected basements, tunnels, utilities, and stretch over 17 acres. The most recent use of the build was an eclectic mix of industry, storage, and manufacturing which included a machine shop, electric boat manufacturing company, public market, and general warehousing. The manufacturing process and coating of wire utilized a variety of hazardous materials, leading to the contamination of soil and groundwater throughout the General Cable Complex. This property was likely utilized for weatherproofing and coating/plating of wire. Based on discovery of contaminated groundwater at the adjoining property, it is possible that this property also contains chlorinated compounds; and  WHEREAS, 328 Ridge Street was previously part of the former Rome Cable Manufacturing Complex, and later used for auto repair and general warehouse space. The building was destroyed by a tornado in 2024 and the City acquired ownership of the property during the hazard mitigation of the unsafe structure in 2025. The site was known as a wire and cable manufacturing site and has similar environmental concerns as 530 Harbor Way, although no known basements exist; and WHEREAS, 202 Henry was previously used for coal storage and an automobile dealership. The building was demolished in 2026 due to structural failures and the site has the potential to have impacted soil and groundwater from former uses; and WHEREAS, 425 Erie Boulevard was developed in the early 1900s as lumber storage and then later as Alder Bros. Ford Mill. Impacted soil and groundwater may be present due to the adjacent railroad lines. A Phase 2 ESA was completed in 2006 and is in need of updating.; now, therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Rome is hereby authorized and directed to submit an application to the New York State Department of State for the Brownfields Opportunity Areas Program for the Erie Boulevard and Downtown Rome BOA’s Site Assessments Project, at an amount not to exceed $300,000.00, with a required 10% local match not to exceed $30,000.00 for a total project cost not to exceed $330,000.00, pursuant to the description which is attached hereto and made part of this Resolution; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Rome, New York is authorized and directed to accept these grant funds in an amount not to exceed $300,000.00, for the project described in the grant application; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the City of Rome and his designees are hereby authorized to execute any documents related to the above-mentioned grant, and if awarded funding, with any and all other contracts, documents and instruments necessary to fulfill the City of Rome’s obligation under said Grant Application; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Treasurer is hereby authorized to create a capitol project account for the purpose of accepting and expending said funds. Seconded by Councilor ___________________. AYES & NAYS: Sparace __ Mortise __ Fazio __ Smith__ Reilly__ Dursi __ Sbaraglia __ ADOPTED ___ DEFEATED ___ COMMON COUNCIL JULY 22, 2026 RESOLUTION NO. 96 AUTHORIZING WAIVER OF APPLICATION FEES FOR RIGHT OF WAY PERMITS FOR ROME ROTARY IN REGARDS TO CANAL FEST. By Councilor ______________: WHEREAS, Joseph Guiliano, Commissioner of Public Works of the City of Rome, has recommended waiving the Right of Way permit application fees for the Rome Rotary Club, for the Row permit for Canal Fest 2026 event, at an amount not to exceed $100.00; now, therefore BE IT RESOLVED, by the City of Rome Common Council, that Commissioner Guiliano is hereby authorized to waive said fees and that Brian Adams, City of Rome Treasurer, shall and is hereby authorized to make such accounting entries as may be necessary to comply with any local, state or federal rule, regulation or law to waive application fees for Right of Way permit application fees for the Rome Rotary Club, for the Row permit for Canal Fest 2026 event, at an amount not to exceed $100.00. Seconded by Councilor ________________. AYES & NAYS: Sparace __ Mortise __ Fazio __ Smith__ Reilly__ Dursi __ Sbaraglia __ ADOPTED ___ DEFEATED ___ COMMON COUNCIL JULY 22, 2026 RESOLUTION NO. 97 AUTHORIZING USE OF FUNDS FROM THE SEWER DEPT RESERVE ACCOUNT (ES884) TO FUND THE SEWER IMPROVEMENTS CAPITAL PROJECT (HSAO). By Councilor ______________: WHEREAS, Brian Adams, Treasurer for the City of Rome, has requested authorization for the use of Funds from the Sewer Dept Reserve Account to fund the Sewer Improvements Capital Project; now, therefore BE RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Rome hereby authorizes the use of Funds from the Sewer Dept Reserve Account to fund the Sewer Improvements Capital Project, as follows: ES 884 Sewer Dept Reserve $356,000.00 HSAO Sewer Improvements Capital Project $365,000.00 ; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Rome Treasurer is directed to make such changes as may be necessary to effectuate the amendment authorized hereby and that same be consistent with the City’s policies and procedures, and any applicable law. Seconded by Councilor ________________. AYES & NAYS: Sparace __ Mortise __ Fazio __ Smith__ Reilly__ Dursi __ Sbaraglia __ ADOPTED ___ DEFEATED ___ COMMON COUNCIL JULY 22, 2026 ORDINANCE NO. 9889 AUTHORIZING THE CLOSING OF STREETS FOR TABERNACLE OF PRAISE MINISTRIES PASTOR SERVICES. By Councilor ______________: WHEREAS, 3rd Ward Councilor, Linda Fazio has requested the closing of a portion of W. Court St. from 431 W. Court St. to W. Park St. and a portion of N. Jay St. from W. Court St. to W. Park St., for the Tabernacle of Praise Ministries Pastor Services event on August 15, 2026 at 11:00am to 4:30pm; now, therefore BE IT ORDAINED, that the Common Council of the City of Rome, New York, does hereby authorize the closing of a portion of W. Court St. from 431 W. Court St. to W. Park St. and a portion of N. Jay St. from W. Court St. to W. Park St., for the Tabernacle of Praise Ministries Pastor Services event on August 15, 2026 at 11:00am to 4:30pm; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the above authorization shall take effect upon placement of the appropriate barriers at each end of the affected areas. Seconded by Councilor _______________. By Councilor _______________: RESOLVED, that the unanimous consent of this Common Council be, and the same hereby is given to the consideration of Ordinance No. 9889. Seconded by Councilor _______________. AYES & NAYS: Sparace __ Mortise __ Fazio __ Smith__ Reilly__ Dursi __ Sbaraglia __ ORDINANCE NO. 9889 AYES & NAYS: Sparace __ Mortise __ Fazio __ Smith__ Reilly__ Dursi __ Sbaraglia __ ADOPTED ___ DEFEATED ___ COMMON COUNCIL JULY 22, 2026 ORDINANCE NO. 9890 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ROME TO AMEND THE TRANSFERS OF 8366 WEST THOMAS STREET AND 8368 WEST THOMAS STREET TO ROME BUILDING CONTRACTORS, INC. By Councilor ______________: WHEREAS, New York State Real Property Tax Law Section 1166 and Rome Charter Laws, Title A, Section 33(3) allow the City of Rome to sell and convey real property obtained by virtue of a tax foreclosure proceeding, upon approval and confirmation of a five-sevenths (5/7) vote of the Rome Common Council, with or without advertising for bids; and WHEREAS, at regularly scheduled meetings the Common Council and the Board of Estimate and Contract, said bodies adopted legislation authorizing the sales of 8366 West Thomas Street and 8368 West Thomas Street to Rome Building Contractors, Inc. (hereinafter “RBCI”); and WHEREAS, pursuant to the legislative authorization, the properties contain a deed restriction that “shall at no time be sold, transferred, titled or conveyed to any person who was a record owner and/or mortgagee of the property within the five (5) year period immediately preceding the date on which the property was taken by the City for nonpayment of taxes. If such prohibited conveyance shall be made by any party in the succeeding chain of title, then immediately thereon (a) this conveyance shall become null and void to the purchaser, their successors and/or assigns, and (b) the title to the above property shall revert back to the City of Rome, New York.”; and WHEREAS, said deed restriction is preventing RBCI from being able to sell the properties because prospective purchasers are unable to obtain title insurance, rendering the title to the properties potentially unmarketable; and WHEREAS, the Common Council is of the opinion that it is in the best interest of the City of Rome that this rehabilitated property be sold so it is returned to an active use on the tax roll; now, therefore, BE IT ORDAINED, relative to the sales of 8366 West Thomas Street and 8368 West Thomas Street, that the Mayor of the City of Rome is authorized to amend the transfer documents so as to remove the deed restriction that “shall at no time be sold, transferred, titled or conveyed to any person who was a record owner and/or mortgagee of the property within the five (5) year period immediately preceding the date on which the property was taken by the City for nonpayment of taxes. If such prohibited conveyance shall be made by any party in the succeeding chain of title, then immediately thereon (a) this conveyance shall become null and void to the purchaser, their successors and/or assigns, and (b) the title to the above property shall revert back to the City of Rome, New York” from the deeds conveying the properties to Rome Building Contractors, Inc.; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute any and all deeds or other documents necessary to complete the transfer of title of said parcel of land. Seconded by Councilor _______________. By Councilor _______________: RESOLVED, that the unanimous consent of this Common Council be, and the same hereby is given to the consideration of Ordinance No. 9890. Seconded by Councilor _______________. AYES & NAYS: Sparace __ Mortise __ Fazio __ Smith__ Reilly__ Dursi __ Sbaraglia __ ORDINANCE NO. 9890 AYES & NAYS: Sparace __ Mortise __ Fazio __ Smith__ Reilly__ Dursi __ Sbaraglia __ ADOPTED ___ DEFEATED ___