Common Council Meeting Minutes

City of Utica Common Council – Regular Meeting October 1st 2025 The meeting is called to order at 7:00 P.M. Melissa Sciortino, City Clerk Andrew Castilla, Deputy City Clerk; Rocco Giruzzi, Common Council President Present: Katie Aiello, 1st District Councilmember; Robert Burmaster, 2nd District Councilmember; Joseph Betar, 3rd District Councilmember & President Pro-Temp; Frank Carcone, 4th District Councilmember; Venice Ervin; 5th District Councilmember; Joseph Betrus, 6th District Councilmember; Mark Williamson, Councilmember at Large; Samantha Colosimo-Testa, Councilmember at Large; Jack LoMedico, Councilmember at Large Also Present: Anthony Garramone, Esq., Common Council Attorney; Ed Noonan, Deputy Chief, UPD; Brian Thomas, Commissioner, UED; Mark Sokolowski, Commissioner, DPW; Scott Ingersoll, Chief, UFD; Nicholas Bridenbecker, Engineering; Marquis Phillips, Commissioner, Codes A motion to waive the reading of the minutes from the previous meeting made by Councilmember Aiello The motion is seconded by Councilmember Williamson None opposed: Minutes accepted and reading waived 5 Speakers signed up for Public Comment Period 0 Speakers signed up for Public Hearing PRO. RES. 1 – PROCLAMATION FOR FIRE WEEK A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Res. 1 Motion seconded by Councilmember Williamson Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Williamson, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted PRO. RES. 2 – CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SALE OF 1904 ERIE STREET A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Res. 1 Motion seconded by Councilmember Burmaster Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Williamson, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted PRO. ORD. 3 – SALE OF 1904 ERIE STREET A motion by Councilmember Aiello to place Pro. Ord. 3 in Committee of the Whole Motion seconded by Councilmember Colosimo-Testa None Opposed Placed in Committee of the Whole PRO. ORD. 4 – INTERSECTIONS WHERE STOP REQUIRED A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Ord. 4 Motion seconded by Councilmember Burmaster Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Williamson, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted as Ordinance #88 of 2025 A motion to adjourn made by Councilmember Colosimo-Testa Motion seconded by Councilmember Williamson President Giruzzi Adjourned: 8:12 P.M. Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Resolution: 1 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council October 3, 2025 Sponsored by: Councilmembers Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Williamson, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico PROCLAMATION FOR FIRE WEEK 2025 WHEREAS, the City of Utica is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in Utica and visiting ; and WHEREAS, fires remain a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and the presence of lithium-ion batteries in many household devices introduces unique fire risks; and WHEREAS, most of the electronics used in homes daily — including smartphones, tablets, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, e- scooters, and toys — are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which if misused, damaged, or improperly charged, can overheat, start a fire, or explode; and WHEREAS, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) reports an increase in battery-related fires, underscoring the need for public education on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries; and WHEREAS, residents should follow three key calls to action: Buy only listed products, charge batteries safely, and recycle them responsibly to prevent battery-related fires; and WHEREAS, lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space, and improper use such as overcharging, using off-brand chargers without safety certification, or exposing batteries to damage can result in fire or explosion; and WHEREAS, the proper disposal and recycling of lithium-ion batteries help prevent environmental hazards and reduce fire risks in the home and community; and WHEREAS, City of Utica first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of fires through prevention, safety education, and community outreach; and WHEREAS, the 2025 Fire Prevention Week™ theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” serves to remind us of the importance of using, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries safely to reduce the risk of fires in homes and communities, now THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council for the City of Utica, do hereby proclaim October 5th–11th, 2025, as Fire Prevention Week throughout the City of Utica. Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Williamson, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted. STATE OF NEW YORK, CITY OF UTICA ) City Clerk’s Office ) ss. ) I hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing copy of a Resolution of the Common Council with the record of proceedings of the Common Council of said City of Utica, duly made and on file in this office, and that same is a correct transcript therefrom and of the whole of said Resolution. In TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto affix the Corporate Seal of said City, and subscribe my name, this 11st day of October, 2025 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: URA, Budget, Comptroller Resolution: 2 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council October 3, 2025 Sponsored by: Councilmembers Burmaster, Williamson Calling for a Public Hearing on the Sale of 1904 Erie Street WHEREAS, The Utica Urban Renewal Agency is the owner of 1904 Erie Street; and WHEREAS, The Utica Urban Renewal Agency is authorized to sell development parcels in said Urban Renewal area to prospective developers, pursuant to the requirements set forth in Article 15, section 507, of the General Municipal Laws of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, an offer to purchase 1904 Erie Street has been received by the Utica Urban Renewal Agency from Mid-Central Avenue Property Management, LLC; and WHEREAS, The developer plans to construct a modern 25,000 sq. ft. automotive sale and service facility: and WHEREAS, The purchase price for this property is $400,000.00; and WHEREAS, The Chairman of the Utica Urban Renewal Agency has been authorized to execute a contract of sale with the aforementioned developer subject to the developer meeting all applicable terms and conditions relative to the purchase of the subject property including the approval of the same by the Utica Common Council; and WHEREAS, The Utica Urban Renewal Agency shall cause to be published a public hearing notice and a legal notice which describes all relevant terms and conditions of the proposed sale in the Rome Sentinel newspaper in accordance with Article 15 of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York, and a public hearing shall be held pursuant thereto in accordance with section 507 of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the Utica Common Council will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 7:00 P.M., in the Utica Common Council Chamber, One Kennedy Plaza, Utica, New York to provide the public with an opportunity to ask questions and offer comments on the proposed sale and subsequent development of the aforesaid properties. Immediately after the public hearing, the Utica Common Council may consider legislation which will approve the sale of 1904 Erie Street and authorize the Chairman of the Utica Urban Renewal Agency to execute all necessary documents to sell said property. Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Williamson, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted. STATE OF NEW YORK, CITY OF UTICA ) City Clerk’s Office ) ss. ) I hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing copy of a Resolution of the Common Council with the record of proceedings of the Common Council of said City of Utica, duly made and on file in this office, and that same is a correct transcript therefrom and of the whole of said Resolution. In TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto affix the Corporate Seal of said City, and subscribe my name, this 11st day of October, 2025 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk  Submitted to council by: URA Proposed Ordinance No. 3 Submitted to council on: 09 / 25 / 25 Proposed Resolution No. Sent to Council Attorney on: 09 / 25 / 25 Thursday Rule Waiver Required? N Date of Legislation: 10 / 1 / 25 Explanation provided to council on: / / ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council Sponsored By: Councilmembers Burmaster, Williamson Ordinance approving the designation of Mid-Central Avenue Property Management, LLC as an eligible and qualified project sponsor pursuant to Article 15 of the General Municipal Law for the purpose of the sale of 1904 Erie Street WHEREAS, The Utica Urban Renewal Agency has acquired 1904 Erie Street; and WHEREAS, The Utica Urban Renewal Agency is authorized to sell development parcels in said area to prospective developers, pursuant to the requirements set forth in Article 15, Section 507, of the General Municipal Laws of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, a purchase offer for this property has been received by the Utica Urban Renewal Agency from Mid-Central Avenue Property Management, LLC; and the developer proposes to purchase 1904 Erie Street to construct a modern 25,000 sq. ft. automotive sale and service facility; and the purchase will require the payment of $400,000.00; and WHEREAS, The Chairman of the Utica Urban Renewal Agency has been authorized to execute a contract of sale with the aforementioned developer subject to the developer meeting all applicable terms and conditions relative to the purchase of the subject property including the approval of the same by the Utica Common Council; and WHEREAS, The Utica Urban Renewal Agency published a public hearing notice which described all relevant terms and conditions of the proposed sale of said disposition parcel, and further provided for a public hearing before the Utica Common Council, all in accordance with Article 15, of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, On Wednesday, October 15, 2025 a public hearing was held before the Utica Common Council, and the public was given the opportunity to ask questions, and offer comments relative to the proposed sale, and subsequent development of the aforesaid property; and the proposed project purchase offer is consistent with the terms and conditions set forth in the Utica Urban Renewal Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED: That the Utica Common Council authorizes the Mayor, as Chairman of the Utica Urban Renewal Agency, to enter into a land contract pursuant to the terms and conditions outlined in the land contract, in order to sell which are located in the Utica Urban Renewal area; AND FURTHER BE IT ORDAINED: That the purchase price for the above said property is $400,000.00; and FURTHER BE IT ORDAINED: That the Chairman of the Utica Urban Renewal Agency is hereby authorized to take any and all steps necessary to complete the disposition of this property for the aforesaid purpose. 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 Certify To: Sign Shop, Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #88 of 2025 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council October 1st, 2025 Sponsored by: Councilmember Betar INTERSECTIONS WHERE STOP REQUIRED BE IT ORDAINED, that Sec. 2-16-358 Schedule C: Intersections Where Stop Required, be amended to include the following: Ridge Road and Ridge Place, Three-Way Stop at the Intersection (Added 10/01/2025) BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the proper signage be erected. Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Williamson, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted. STATE OF NEW YORK, CITY OF UTICA ) City Clerk’s Office ) ss. ) I hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing copy of a Ordinance of the Common Council with the record of proceedings of the Common Council of said City of Utica, duly made and on file in this office, and that same is a correct transcript therefrom and of the whole of said Ordinance. In TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto affix the Corporate Seal of said City, and subscribe my name, this 18th day of September, 2025 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk