Common Council

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 30, 2025 2:00 PM PRESENT: Council Members: John Hill, Kylee Johnson, Barry Smith, Michael Reed, Paul Myers City Clerk: Tracy Chamberlain City Comptroller: Robert Earley Police Chief: Jamie Deck Dog Control Officer: Timothy Haynoski Empire Animal Rescue Society: Courtney Valent, Tawnee Bocharski Youth Bureau Director: Markie Phillips Youth Board Member: Chuck Talbot Grant Administrator: Jay Bartoszek Rail Museum Director: Jaré Cardinal City Historian: James Griffith Library Director: Jennifer Stickles Library Board Member: Susan Zaprowski ABSENT: Mayor Sandra Magiera The meeting was called to order at 2:00 PM. The purpose of the meeting was to continue the review of proposed 2025-2026 City Budget. Police Chief Jamie Deck reviewed the 2025-2026 Police Department and Juvenile Officer proposed budgets. He has budgeted personnel to include four new officers. He proposed to purchase one new vehicle, 8 new body worn camera, 10 new pistols, a gun cleaning machine, a drug detector, 2 vehicle radar guns and half of the cost of a new weather resistant drone, being split with the Fire Department. Dog Control Officer Tim Haynoski reviewed the amounts in the Control of Animals proposed budget. The personnel line now includes the three Dog Caretakers. There was discussion regarding NYS grant funds for the building of a kennel and the Veterinarian Expense line to assist Empire Animal Rescue Society (EARS) with spay and neutering and vaccines. Council Member Smith asked for EARS financial audit. Youth Bureau Director Markie Phillips reviewed the Youth Program, Playgrounds and Youth Grant proposed budgets. She proposed to reduce the number of playgrounds that are monitored and end the program a week earlier due to staffing issues the last week in August. The playground and Arts-A-Live staff supervisors wages will increase with the help of the Ralph Wilson Foundation Grant. There was discussion regarding the ice pond staffing through the Youth Bureau. She is looking into grants to possibly install a splash pad. It was noted that the Youth Center building needs the roof repaired or replaced. She is still looking to upgrade the Summit Street and Academy Street basketball courts. Grant Administrator Bartoszek reviewed the Grant Writer Services budget. He suggests looking into grant writing software.