Common Council Meeting -- 04.16.2025

Submitted to council by: Law Department Proposed Ordinance No. Submitted to council on: 04 / 11 / 25 Proposed Resolution No. 1 Sent to Council Attorney on: 04 / 11 / 25 Thursday Rule Waiver Required? N Date of Legislation: 04 / 16 / 25 Explanation provided to council on: / / ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council Sponsored by: Councilmembers Burmaster, Williamson RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING 2018 UTICA PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MUNICIPAL PARKS AND RECREATION GRANT WHEREAS, grant funding has been made available through the State of New York, administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). The funding program, Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant, aims to develop new municipal parks and to improve natural, ecological, cultural, and recreational resources within existing municipal parks. Funding is available for several eligible activities, including: construction of recreational facilities and other improvements to municipal recreation sites and parks; and WHEREAS, under the regulations of the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (the “Bond Act”), through Article 58, Title 5 of the Environmental Conservation Law, the City of Utica is eligible to submit a request for State assistance of up to $1 million. The City is proposing to submit an application for the rehabilitation of Quinn Playground and Pixley Park; and WHEREAS, the grant requires an explanation of how the project relates to and advances regional, municipal, or community planning initiatives; and WHEREAS, the grant requires that if the plan identifying the need for a project is 5 years or older, to provide a resolution reaffirming the local plan; and WHEREAS, the Utica Parks and Recreation Master Plan was completed in November 2018 and is over five years old; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Common Council of the City of Utica, New York reaffirms the 2018 Utica Parks and Recreation Master Plan in accordance with the requirements for the Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant. The Council finds that the proposed project is consistent with the City’s 2018 parks master plan as the goals included: identify future recreational needs, goals, programming, and maintenance requirements for each individual existing park. Additionally, the Council finds that the $1 million request will enhance and preserve community resources at Quinn Playground and Pixley Park. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Common Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to submit this OPRHP project to the State of New York and authorizes the Mayor to enter into any and all necessary agreements upon successful award of the funding proposal. MEMBERS AYES NAYS MEMBERS AYES NAYS ADOPTED OR DISAPPROVED BY 1 K. Aiello 6 J. Betrus THE FOLLOWING VOTE: 2 R. Burmaster 7 M. Williamson AYES _______ NAYS _______ 3 J. Betar 8 S. Colosimo-Testa DATE ADOPTED _____/_____/ 2025 4 F. Carcone 9 J. LoMedico 5 V. Ervin 10 R. Giruzzi  Submitted to council by: City Clerks Office Proposed Ordinance No. Submitted to council on: 04 / 11 / 25 Proposed Resolution No. 2 Sent to Council Attorney on: 04 / 11 / 25 Thursday Rule Waiver Required? N Date of Legislation: 04 / 16 / 25 Explanation provided to council on: / / ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council Sponsored by: Councilmembers Burmaster, Williamson Proclamation for Word Parkinson’s Day WHEREAS, Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that affects millions worldwide, impacting motor skills, cognitive function, and overall quality of life; and WHEREAS, April 11th is recognized as World Parkinson's Day, a day to raise awareness, promote understanding, and celebrate the resilience of individuals living with Parkinson's; and WHEREAS, the City of Utica community joins Community Wellness Partners in committing to supporting those affected by Parkinson's and their families; and WHEREAS, increased research, education, and community support services are crucial to improving the lives of people with Parkinson's and finding a cure; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council does hereby proclaim April 11th, 2025, as World Parkinson's Day in the City of Utica and call upon all citizens to join in efforts to raise awareness, support research, and promote understanding of Parkinson's disease. FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we encourage community members to participate in local events and activities to celebrate World Parkinson's Day and show their support for those affected by this disease. MEMBERS AYES NAYS MEMBERS AYES NAYS ADOPTED OR DISAPPROVED BY 1 K. Aiello 6 J. Betrus THE FOLLOWING VOTE: 2 R. Burmaster 7 M. Williamson AYES _______ NAYS _______ 3 J. Betar 8 S. Colosimo-Testa DATE ADOPTED _____/_____/ 2025 4 F. Carcone 9 J. LoMedico 5 V. Ervin 10 R. Giruzzi