Common Council Meeting Minutes

City of Utica Common Council – Regular Meeting April 1st 2026 The meeting is called to order at 7:05 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; 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, Deputy Chief, UPD; Michael Curley, Lieutenant, UPD; Mark Sokolowski, Commissioner, DPW; Almir Kaltak, Budget Director; Stephanie DiGiorgio, Assistant Corporation Counsel A motion to waive the reading of the minutes from the previous meeting made by Councilmember Aiello The motion is seconded by Councilmember LoMedico None opposed: Minutes accepted and reading waived 4 Speakers signed up for Public Comment Period 1 Speaker signed up for Public Hearing A motion by Councilmember Aiello to pull Pro. Ord. 5 from Committee of the Whole Motion seconded by Councilmember Betrus Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Wasielewski, Betrus, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted as Ordinance #49 of 2026 PRO. ORD 1 – E & A TRANSFER A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Ord. 1 Motion seconded by Councilmember Betrus Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Wasielewski, Betrus, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9  Nays: 0 Adopted as Ordinance #50 of 2026 PRO. RES. 2 – AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Res. 2 Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Wasielewski, Betrus, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted PRO. RES. 3 – PROCLAMATION HONORING THE FUTURE STARS KRAJISNIK SOCCER CLUB INAUGURAL U14 GIRLS TEAM A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Res. 3 Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted PRO. ORD 4 – E & A TRANSFER A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Ord. 4 Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Wasielewski, Betrus, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted as Ordinance #51 of 2026 PRO. ORD. 5 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL MILITARY LEAVE BENEFITS A motion by Councilmember Colosimo-Testa to place Pro. Ord. 5 in Committee of the Whole Motion seconded by Councilmember Aiello None Opposed Placed in Committee of the Whole PRO. RES. 6 – RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF THE UTICA CITY CLERK AS RECORDS ACCESS OFFICER FOR THE CITY OF UTICA A motion by Councilmember Aiello to move Pro. Res. 6 Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted A motion by Councilmember LoMedico to pull Pro. Ord. 3 from Committee of the Whole Motion seconded by Councilmember Aiello Ayes: Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Wasielewski, Betrus, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico – 9 Nays: 0 Adopted as Ordinance #52 of 2026 A motion by Councilmember Aiello to discharge Pro. Ord. 4 – Sewer Rents from Committee of the Whole Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico None Opposed Discharged A Committee of the Whole meeting was called for on the floor for Tuesday, April 14th at 5PM A motion to adjourn made by Councilmember Aiello Motion seconded by Councilmember LoMedico President Giruzzi Adjourned: 7:43 P.M. Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #49 of 2026 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council April 1, 2026 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. 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 ORDAINED: That the purchase price for the above said property is $100.00; and FURTHER 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. 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 2nd day of April, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #50 of 2026 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council April 1, 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 2nd day of April, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Resolution: 1 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council April 1, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmembers Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico AUTHORIZING SALE OF BEER AND WINE TO ST. MARY OF MOUNT CARMEL/BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH WHEREAS, the sale of alcoholic beverages and possession of an open container containing alcoholic beverages is prohibited on Utica city streets, sidewalks, playgrounds, parks, and right-of-way by Ordinance of the Common Council, except in certain instances where permission is granted by the Common Council. RESOLVED, that permission to sell beer and wine and exemption from the provisions of Section 2-15-43, subdivisions (c) (1), (2), and (3) regarding open containers of alcoholic beverages is granted to: Name of Sponsor: St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish Name of Event: Parish Festival Date of Event: Friday July 16, 2026 5-10PM Saturday July 17, 2026 5-10PM Sunday July 18, 2026 12-3PM Location of Event: St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish 648 Jay Street Utica NY 13501 FURTHER RESOLVED, that this permit is conditioned upon the permittee defending, indemnifying and holding harmless the City of Utica, its agents and employees, from any liability allegedly occurring as a result of the activities authorized herein, and providing liability insurance, naming the City of Utica as an insured in the amount of not less than $1,000,000.00 for general liability and $1,000,000.00 for liquor liability. A certificate showing such insurance to be in full force and effect shall be filed with the Corporation Counsel before undertaking the permitted activity. 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 2nd day of April, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Resolution: 2 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council April 1, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmembers Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico A PROCLAMATION HONORING THE FUTURE STARS KRAJISNIK SOCCER CLUB INAUGURAL U14 GIRLS TEAM WHEREAS, the City of Utica recognizes the importance of youth sports in fostering teamwork, discipline, leadership, and confidence among young people; and WHEREAS, Future Stars Krajisnik Soccer Club has demonstrated a commitment to developing young athletes and strengthening community ties through inclusive and accessible soccer programming; and WHEREAS, in October 2025, the club established its first-ever all girls team, the Future Stars Krajisnik SC U14 Girls Team, making a significant milestone in expanding opportunities for girls in athletics within our community; and WHEREAS, the creation of this inaugural team reflects the dedication of coaches, families, players, and a community that has all worked diligently to build a program promoting inclusion and empowering young women in sports; and WHEREAS, the team represents the spirit and diversity of the City of Utica, bringing together young athletes from across the community and contributing to the continued growth of youth soccer in the region; and WHEREAS, the Future Stars Krajisnik SC U14 Girls Team serves as an inspiration for future generations of young athletes by demonstration perseverance, teamwork, and pride in representing their city. PROCLAIMED that the Utica Common Council hereby recognizes and honors the Future Stars Krajisnik Soccer Club U14 Girls Team for its inaugural season and its contributions to youth development and community pride; and FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the Common Council extends its best wishes for continued success to the players, coaches, and families in this outstanding program. 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 2nd day of April, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #51 of 2026 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council April 1, 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: ACCOUNT DESC DR CR H410.277001.Z04 Misc. Revenue 257,000.00 H51997.211.Z04 Ski Hill Poject 257,000.00 257,000.00 257,000.00 EXPLANATION: To incorporate additional funds to the Ski Hill Project using ARPA Interest 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 2nd day of April, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk  Submitted to council by: Councilmember Colosimo-Testa Proposed Ordinance No. Submitted to council on: 03 / 31 / 26 Proposed Resolution No. 5 Sent to Council Attorney on: 03 / 31 / 26 Thursday Rule Waiver Required? N Date of Legislation: 04 / 01 / 26 Explanation provided to council on: / / ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council Sponsored by: Councilmember Colosimo-Testa RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL MILITARY LEAVE BENEFITS WHEREAS, On October 24, 2001, August 28, 2002, April 30, 2003 and October 29, 2003, the Oneida County Board of Legislators respectively adopted Resolution Nos. 396, 261,113 and 280 authorizing a pay differential for County employees on ordered military leave whose military pay is less than their County salary, and BE IT RESOLVED, That in recognition of the great service to our Country that City of Utica employees who are called back to military duty, the City of Utica Common Council hereby elects to provide, effective April 1st, 2026, supplemental military leave, at the employee's full salary, for an additional thirty (30) days or thirty (30) working days, whichever is greater, above and beyond the thirty (30) days or thirty (30) working days of paid leave presently provided by Section 242 of the New York State Military Law, and accordingly, and it is FURTHER RESOLVED, That such employees shall therefore be paid their regular City of Utica base salary, plus longevity, for any and all periods of absence while engaged in the performance of ordered military duty, and while going to and returning from such duty, not exceeding a total of sixty (60) days or forty- four (44) working days, whichever is greater, in any one (1) calendar year and not exceeding sixty (60) days or forty four (44) working days, whichever is greater, in any one continuous period of such absence, and FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Mayor, or his duly appointed representative, is hereby authorized to execute any agreements, documents, or papers, approved as to form by the City Attorney or the City's Labor Attorney, as may be necessary to implement the intent and purpose of this resolution, and FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution shall be sent to the Human Resources Department, Corporation Counsel, Civil Service, the City Comptroller, and all of those collective bargaining agents representing City employees. 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 Resolution: 3 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council April 1, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmembers Aiello, Burmaster, Betar, Carcone, Ervin, Betrus, Wasielewski, Colosimo-Testa, LoMedico RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF THE UTICA CITY CLERK AS RECORDS ACCESS OFFICER FOR THE CITY OF UTICA RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 2-2-122 of the City Code of Ordinances, the City Clerk is hereby appointed Records Access Officer, who shall perform the duties set forth in Article V of the City Code of Ordinances until such time as said appointment has been rescinded. The City Clerk may designate a person within the City Clerk's Office to perform the duties of the Records Access Officer under the City Clerk's supervision. This appointment and approval shall be effective immediately. 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 2nd day of April, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk Certify To: Budget, Comptroller Ordinance #52 of 2026 CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council April 1, 2026 Sponsored by: Councilmember LoMedico ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2-26-48 REGARDING SEWER RENTS ORDAINED that Section 2-26-48 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Utica, fixing the amount of Sewer Rents is hereby amended to read as follows: Monthly Billing Cost per Quarterly Billing (cu.ft.) 100 cu. ft. (cu. ft.) First 1,500 2.339 2.433 4,500 Next 18,500 1.954 2.032 55,500 Next 280,000 1.632 1.697 840,000 Next 1,200,000 1.327 1.380 3,600,000 Over 1 ,500,000 0.898 .934 4,500,000 FURTHER ORDAINED, This Ordinance shall be effective immediately. 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 2nd day of April, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Melissa R. Sciortino, City Clerk  Submitted to council by: _Comptrollers Office Proposed Ordinance No. 4 Submitted to council on: 01 / 29 / 26 Proposed Resolution No. Sent to Council Attorney on: 01 / 29 / 26 Thursday Rule Waiver Required? N Date of Legislation 02 / 04 / 26 Explanation provided to council on: / / ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY OF UTICA Department of Legislation Common Council Sponsored by: Councilmember LoMedico ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2-26-48 REGARDING SEWER RENTS BE IT ORDAINED that Section 2-26-48 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Utica, fixing the amount of Sewer Rents is hereby amended to read as follows: Monthly Billing Cost per Quarterly Billing (cu.ft.) 100 cu. ft. (cu. ft.) First 1,500 2.339 2.479 4,500 Next 18,500 1.954 2.071 55,500 Next 280,000 1.632 1.730 840,000 Next 1,200,000 1.327 1.407 3,600,000 Over 1 ,500,000 0.898 .952 4,500,000 FURTHER ORDAINED, This Ordinance shall be effective immediately. 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