Common Council Meeting Minutes

City of Utica Common Council – Regular Meeting March 4th 2026 The meeting is called to order at 7:00 P.M. Melissa Sciortino, City Clerk; Andrew Castilla, Deputy City Clerk; 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; Heather Wasielewski, Councilmember at Large; Samantha Colosimo-Testa, Councilmember at Large; Jack LoMedico, Councilmember at Large Also Present: Anthony Garramone, Esq., Common Council Attorney; James Holt, Captain, UPD; Mark Sokolowski, Commissioner, DPW; Scott Ingersoll, Fire Chief, UFD; Nicholas Bridenbecker, Engineering; Brain Thomas, Commissioner of UED; Almir Kaltak, Budget Director; Rebecca Duval, Chief of Staff; Michael Galime, Mayor; Frank Meola, Comptroller A motion to waive the reading of the minutes from the previous meeting made by Councilmember Aiello The motion is seconded by Councilmember Burmaster None opposed: Minutes accepted and reading waived 10 Speakers signed up for Public Comment Period 1 Speaker signed up for Public Hearing PRO. RES. 1 – RESOLUTION URGING NEW YORK STATE TO PRIORITIZE NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION FUNDING FOR THE CITY OF UTICA A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Res. 1 Motion seconded by Councilmember Burmaster Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Wasielewski, Betrus, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted PRO. ORD. 2 – INTERSECTIONS WHERE STOP REQUIRED A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Ord. 2 Motion seconded by Councilmember Burmaster Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Wasielewski, Betrus, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted as Ordinance #22 of 2026 PRO. RES. 3 – AMENDING CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN FOR CDBG PROGRAM A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Res. 3 Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico Ayes: Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 7 Nays: Aiello, Wasielewski – 2 Adopted PRO. RES. 4 – CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SALE OF URA PROPERITY A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Res. 4 Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted PRO. ORD. 5 – SALE OF URA PROPERITY A motion by Councilmember Aiello to place Pro. Ord. 5 in Committee of the Whole Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico None Opposed Placed in Committee of the Whole PRO. ORD. 6 – SPEED LIMITS GENERALLY A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Ord. 6 Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted as Ordinance #23 of 2026 INTRO. LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2026 A motion by Councilmember Aiello to table Intro. Local Law #1 Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico Tabled PRO. ORD. 7 – E&A TRANSFER A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Ord. 7 Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted as Ordinance #24 of 2026 PRO. ORD. 8 – E&A TRANSFER A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Ord. 8 Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted as Ordinance #25 of 2026 PRO. ORD. 9 – E&A TRANSFER A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Ord. 9 Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted as Ordinance #26 of 2026 A motion by Councilmember Betrus to pull Pro. Ord. 9 from Committee of the Whole Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico A motion by Councilmember Betrus to amend Pro. Ord. 9 Motion seconded by Councilmember Aiello None opposed Votes as amended Ayes: Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 8 Nays: Aiello – 1 Adopted as Ordinance #27 of 2026 A motion by Councilmember Colosimo-Testa to pull Pro. Ord. 1 from Committee of the Whole Motion seconded by Councilmember Aiello Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted as Ordinance #28 of 2026 A motion by Councilmember Colosimo-Testa to pull Pro. Ord. 2 from Committee of the Whole Motion seconded by Councilmember Aiello Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted as Ordinance #29 of 2026 A motion by Councilmember Colosimo-Testa to pull Pro. Ord. 3 from Committee of the Whole Motion seconded by Councilmember Aiello Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted as Ordinance #30 of 2026 A motion by Councilmember Colosimo-Testa to pull Pro. Ord. 2 from Committee of the Whole Motion seconded by Councilmember Aiello Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 8 Nays: Wasielewski – 1 Adopted as Ordinance #31 of 2026 A motion by Councilmember Aiello to pull Pro. Ord. 4 from Committee of the Whole Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted as Ordinance #32 of 2026 A motion to adjourn made by Councilmember Aiello Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico President Pro-Temp Betar Adjourned: 10:15 P.M. Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Resolution: 1 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council March 18, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmember Colosimo-Testa Resolution Urging New York State to Prioritize Neighborhood Revitalization Funding for the City of Utica WHEREAS, strong neighborhoods are the backbone of the City of Utica, providing stability for families, renters, and homeowners who have invested their lives in the community; and WHEREAS, many residential properties throughout the city require improvements such as siding, roofs, chimney repairs, façade restoration, and exterior maintenance in order to maintain safe, attractive, and stable neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, targeted investment into existing housing stock can dramatically improve entire streets and neighborhoods, strengthening property values and restoring community pride; and WHEREAS, public funds are increasingly directed toward large-scale housing developments that cost hundreds of millions of dollars and can exceed $600,000 per unit when public subsidies are included; and WHEREAS, while large development projects may have a role in housing policy, the residents of the City of Utica deserve meaningful investment in the neighborhoods where people already live, raise families, and contribute to the local economy; and WHEREAS, investing directly into neighborhoods through programs that support exterior home improvements, façade restoration, and structural repairs can revitalize entire blocks at a fraction of the cost of large-scale developments; and WHEREAS, neighborhood revitalization not only improves housing conditions but also promotes safety, stabilizes property values, encourages homeownership, and fosters pride among residents; RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Utica respectfully calls upon the State of New York to allocate dedicated funding for neighborhood revitalization initiatives that directly benefit existing residential communities. FURTHER RESOLVED, that such funding should prioritize programs that assist property owners and landlords with exterior improvements including siding, roofing, chimney repair, façade improvements, and other necessary structural repairs that enhance neighborhood stability and quality of life. FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Common Council believes meaningful revitalization begins by investing in the neighborhoods that already define the character and identity of the city. FINALLY RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the Governor of the State of New York, members of the New York State Senate, members of the New York State Assembly, the President of the United States, and the leadership of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, urging consideration of policies and funding streams that prioritize neighborhood-based revitalization in communities such as the City of Utica. Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Ervin, Carcone, Betrus, Wasielewski, 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 19th day of March, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #22 of 2026 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council March 18, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmember Carcone INTERSECTIONS WHERE STOP REQUIRED ORDAINED, that Sec. 2-16-358 Schedule C: Intersections Where Stop Required, be amended to include the following: Pleasant Street and Parkway Lane, Northeast Corner to Control Westbound Traffic Pleasant Street and Parkway Lane, Southern Side of Pleasant Street Controlling Eastbound Traffic (Added 03/18/2026) FURTHER ORDAINED, that the proper signage be erected. Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, 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 an 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 19th day of March, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Resolution: 2 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council March 18, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmembers LoMedico, Colosimo-Testa AMENDING GENERAL CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN FOR CITY’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM WHEREAS, the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development requires that the City have an official General Citizen Participation Plan adopted by the local governing body. The Plan outlines how the City will engage the public in the planning process and how citizens can participate in substantial amendments to the Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan, as well as in the review of performance reports; and WHEREAS, the City’s current Citizen Participation Plan was last adopted in May 2020 to address public participation during COVID; and WHEREAS, there have been changes within the City since May 2020, most notably to the City’s official newspaper. RESOLVED THAT the Common Council of the City of Utica, New York hereby does approve amending the City of Utica’s Citizen Participation Plan, as here attached. Yeas: Burmaster, Betar, Ervin, Carcone, Betrus, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 7 Nays: Aiello, Wasielewski 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 19th day of March, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Resolution: 3 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council March 18, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmember Ervin Calling for Public Hearing on the Sale of 318.6-2-11 West Street & 318.66-2-50, 318.66-2-51 & 318.66-2-52 Steuben Street WHEREAS, The Utica Urban Renewal Agency is the owner of 318.6-2-11 West Street & 318.66-2-50, 318.66-2-51 & 318.66-2-52 Steuben 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 318.6-2-11 West Street & 318.66-2-50, 318.66-2-51 & 318.66-2-52 Steuben Street has been received by the Utica Urban Renewal Agency from Impact Cornhill, LLC; and WHEREAS, The developer plans to use the lots for construction stages & parking during the construction of Thrive Cornhill & once completed they will be converted into parking for the Impact Center site; and WHEREAS, The purchase price for the properties is $100.00; 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 RESOLVED: that the Utica Common Council will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 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 318.6-2-11 West Street & 318.66- 2-50, 318.66-2-51 & 318.66-2-52 Steuben Street and authorize the Chairman of the Utica Urban Renewal Agency to execute all necessary documents to sell said property. Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Ervin, Carcone, Betrus, Wasielewski, 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 19th day of March, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk  Submitted to council by: URA Proposed Ordinance No. Submitted to council on: 03 / 12 / 26 Proposed Resolution No. 5 Sent to Council Attorney on: 03 / 12 / 26 Thursday Rule Waiver Required? N Date of Legislation: 03 / 18 / 26 Explanation provided to council on: / / ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council Sponsored By: Councilmember Ervin Ordinance approving the designation of Impact Cornhill, LLC as an eligible and qualified project sponsor pursuant to Article 15 of the General Municipal Law for the purpose of the sale of 318.6-2-11 West Street & 318.66-2-50, 318.66-2-51 & 318.66-2-52 Steuben Street WHEREAS, The Utica Urban Renewal Agency has acquired 318.6-2-11 West Street & 318.66-2-50, 318.66-2-51 & 318.66-2-52 Steuben 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 Impact Cornhill, LLC; and the developer proposes to purchase 318.6-2-11 West Street & 318.66-2-50, 318.66-2- 51 & 318.66-2-52 Steuben Street to use the lots for construction stages & parking during the construction of Thrive Cornhill & once completed they will be converted into parking for the Impact Center site; and the purchase will require the payment of $100.00; 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, April 1, 2026 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 $100.00; 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 H. Wasielewski AYES _______ NAYS _______ 3 J. Betar 8 S. Colosimo-Testa DATE ADOPTED _____/_____/ 2026 4 F. Carcone 9 J. LoMedico 5 V. Ervin 10 R. Giruzzi . Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #23 of 2026 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council March 18, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmember Ervin ORDAINED, that Section 2-16-136 (a) of the City of Utica Code of Ordinances be hereby amended to include the following: Sec. 2-16-136 Speed limits generally The established maximum speed at which the driver of any vehicle may operate within the limits of the City is 30 miles per hour, except as follows: (a) The speed limit shall be 15 miles per hour in the designated school zones, pursuant to the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, for the following schools: Calvary Head Start, located at 308 South Street, Corner of South Street and Neilson Street FURTHER ORDAINED, that proper signage reading 15 MPH school zone from 7 AM to 6 PM on SCHOOL DAYS be erected in the following locations: Northern Corner of South Street and Seymour Avenue in a Westbound direction Southern Corner of South Street and Howard Avenue in and Eastbound direction Corner of Neilson Street and Mortimer Street on the Eastern side of the roadway in a Northbound direction Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, 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 an 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 19th day of March, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Submitted to council by: Councilmember Betar Proposed Ordinance No. Submitted to council on: 03 / 12 / 26 Proposed Resolution No. Sent to Council Attorney on: 03 / 12 / 26 Thursday Rule Waiver Required? Date of Legislation: 03 / 18 / 26 Explanation provided to council on: / / CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council Sponsored by: Councilmember Betar Local Law No. of 2026 Introductory Local Law No. _ of 2026 A LOCAL LAW EXPANDING PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR QUALIFIED SENIOR CITIZENS Presented and read Laid on the Table Adopted by the Common Council by a vote of YEAS: , NAYS: , on , 2026. Became a Local Law with the approval of the Mayor on , 2026, after a public hearing on , 2026. BE IT ENACTED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UTICA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Legislative Intent It is the intent of this local law to expand the real property tax exemption available to qualifying senior residents of the City of Utica pursuant to Section 467 of the New York State Real Property Tax Law. The Common Council finds that rising property taxes and fixed incomes place increasing pressure on senior residents, and that graduated exemptions promote housing stability while allowing fiscal predictability for the City. Section 2. Authority This local law is adopted pursuant to Section 467 of the New York State Real Property Tax Law, authorizing municipalities to provide additional real property tax exemptions for qualifying senior citizens. Section 3. Adoption of Graduated Senior Citizens Exemption. Notwithstanding the maximum exemption percentage otherwise permitted under subdivision 1 of Section 467 of the Real Property Tax Law, the City of Utica hereby adopts graduated income eligibility levels and corresponding exemption percentages for qualifying senior citizen homeowners, as authorized by law. Section 4. Section 2-25-2 of the Code of the City of Utica, entitled “Property tax exemption for certain persons age 65 or over,” is hereby amended to read as follows: (a) All real property in the city owned by one or more persons, each of whom is 65 years of age or over, or real property owned by a married couple husband and wife, one of whom is 65 years of age or over, shall be exempt from taxation by the city, to the extent of 50% of the assessed valuation of the property provided the conditions in section 467 of the Real Property Tax Law are met. (b) No exemption shall be granted if the income of the owner or the combined income of the owners of the property for the income tax year immediately preceding the date of making application for exemption exceeds the following. This restriction, as it relates to the income of property owners, will be reviewed in December of each year. Percentage Assessed Valuation Exempt Annual Income from Taxation $18,500 or less 50% Up to and including $29,500 More than $18,500 but less than $19,500 45% More than $29,500 but less than $30,500 $19,500 or more but less than $20,500 40% $30,500 or more but less than $31,500 $20,500 or more but less than $21,500 35% $31,500 or more but less than $32,500 $21,500 or more but less than $22,400 30% $32,500 or more but less than $33,400 $22,400 or more but less than $23,300 25% $33,400 or more but less than $34,300 $23,300 or more but less than $24,200 20% $34,300 or more but less than $35,200 $24,200 or more but less than $25,100 15% $35,200 or more but less than $36,100 $25,100 or more but less than $26,000 10% $36,100 or more but less than $37,000 $26,000 or more but less than $26,900 5% $37,000 or more but less than $37,900 (c) Any such income shall be offset by all medical and prescription drug expenses actually paid which were not reimbursed or paid for by insurance in accordance with section 467 of the Real Property Tax Law. Section 5. Applicability. This exemption shall apply only to City of Utica real property taxes and shall not apply to county, school district, or special district taxes unless separately adopted by those taxing jurisdictions.  Section 6. Administration. A. Applications shall be filed annually with the City Assessor in the form and manner prescribed by the Assessor, consistent with Real Property Tax Law §467. B. Proof of income shall be required as part of the application and may include, but shall not be limited to: Federal or state income tax returns; Social Security statements; Pension or retirement benefit statements. C. The City Assessor is authorized to promulgate rules and procedures necessary to administer this exemption. Section 7. Reporting Requirement. The City Assessor shall provide an annual report to the Common Council summarizing: The number of properties receiving the exemption; The distribution by exemption tier; The estimated impact on taxable assessed value. Such report shall be submitted no later than June 1 of each year. Section 8. Severability. If a court determines that any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this local law or the application thereof to any person, firm or corporation, or circumstance is invalid or unconstitutional, the court's order or judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder of this local law, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision or part of this local law or the application to the person, individual, firm or corporation or circumstance, directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment or order shall be rendered. Section 9. Effective Date. This local law shall take effect on April 1, 2027, and shall apply to taxable years beginning on and after that date. MEMBERS AYES NAYS MEMBERS AYES NAYS ADOPTED OR DISAPPROVED BY 1 K. Aiello 6 J. Betrus THE FOLLOWING VOTE: 2 R. Burmaster 7 H. Wasielewski AYES NAYS 3 J. Betar 8 S. Colosimo-Testa 4 F. Carcone 9 J. LoMedico DATE ADOPTED / / 2026 5 V. Ervin 10 R. Giruzzi Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #24 of 2026 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council March 18, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmembers LoMedico, Colosimo-Testa E & A Transfer – FY 2025-2026 ORDAINED, that the Comptroller for the City of Utica is hereby authorized and directed to make the following transfer of funds: Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, 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 an 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 19th day of March, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #25 of 2026 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council March 18, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmembers LoMedico, Colosimo-Testa E & A Transfer – FY 2025-2026 ORDAINED, that the Comptroller for the City of Utica is hereby authorized and directed to make the following transfer of funds: Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, 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 an 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 19th day of March, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #26 of 2026 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council March 18, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmembers LoMedico, Colosimo-Testa E & A Transfer – FY 2025-2026 ORDAINED, that the Comptroller for the City of Utica is hereby authorized and directed to make the following transfer of funds: Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, 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 an 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 19th day of March, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #27 of 2026 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council March 18, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmembers LoMedico, Colosimo-Testa ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 2-29-136 OF THE UTICA CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES ORDAINED, that Article V, Sign Regulations, of the Utica Code of Ordinances shall be amended by amending Section 2-29-136, entitled “Billboard Signs”, to read as follows: 2-29-126 Billboard Signs. Billboard signs of any kind are expressly prohibited in all districts. FURTHER ORDAINED, that this Ordinance shall take effect immediately and any and all billboards that currently exist are permitted to continue subject to Division 6, Article II, Chapter 2-29 FURTHER ORDAINED THAT, the Common Council of the City of Utica as Lead Agency for the purposes of review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and has declared the zoning amendment to be a Type I action under SEQRA. As there are no negative impacts to the environment anticipated to result from the adoption of the proposed amendment, the Common Council hereby grants a Negative Declaration. Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, 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 an 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 19th day of March, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #28 of 2026 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council March 18, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmembers LoMedico, Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Ervin, Wasielewski Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, 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 an 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 19th day of March, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #29 of 2026 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council March 18, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmembers LoMedico, Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Ervin, Wasielewski Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, 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 an 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 19th day of March, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #30 of 2026 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council March 18, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmembers LoMedico, Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Ervin, Wasielewski Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, 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 an 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 19th day of March, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #31 of 2026 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council March 18, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmember Colosimo-Testa COMMON COUNCIL CHANGES IN 2026-2027 E & A APPROVED ANNUAL ESTIMATE ORDAINED, that the Annual Estimate is hereby amended as follows: Dept./Bureau Account Account Title From To Change # Interfund Transfer Transfer from $2,150,000 $0 -$2,150,000 A415-503120 Fund Balance Rationale: Decrease Fund Balance Draw Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 8 Nays: Wasielewski – 1 Adopted. STATE OF NEW YORK, CITY OF UTICA ) City Clerk’s Office ) ss. ) I hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing copy of an 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 19th day of March, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #32 of 2026 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council March 18, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmembers LoMedico, Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Ervin, Wasielewski Yeas: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 8 Nays: Carcone – 1 Adopted. STATE OF NEW YORK, CITY OF UTICA ) City Clerk’s Office ) ss. ) I hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing copy of an 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 19th day of March, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk