Cortland, New York

Planning Commission

Common Council

Police Commission

The Cortland Police Commission will discuss routine approvals including minutes, bills, and reports, then take up old business items such as a recruit update, police vehicles, training, accreditation, community connections, and a short-term paid parking update. New business includes a potential purchase or trial of Axon, Chimera, and Flock license plate reader technology, a donation for a new K9 kennel, budget and finance, a law enforcement explorer program, a Coffee With a Cop Kids event, TRU live fire training, a jail inspection report, and a personnel issue update.

• Axon, Chimera, Flock LPR Purchase/Trial
• Short Term Paid Parking Update
• Donations-New Kennel for K9 Kort
• Personnel Issue Update
• Law Enforcement Explorer Program Sept 2026-Aug 2027

Common Council

The Common Council held a special meeting to receive and discuss the 2024 independent audit conducted by Insero & Co. CPAs. Lead auditor Duane Shoen presented findings including a split opinion—unmodified on the balance sheet but a disclaimer on operating statements—and four significant findings. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

• No decisions were made; the meeting was solely for receiving and discussing the audit.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Cortland Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved two area variance requests at its June 22 meeting. Variances were granted to Andrew and Leatrice Oram at 33 Cedar St. for garage construction, and to Copper Properties of Cortland at 113-115 Port Watson St. to allow a parcel subdivision. Both approvals were 4-0. The board also discussed a proposed zoning map change to rezone 47 parcels in the Central Business District, but took no action.

• Approved area variances at 33 Cedar St. for building height, front yard setback, and parking on a corner lot (4-0)
• Approved eight area variances at 113-115 Port Watson St. for lot subdivision, conditioned on subdivision approval and a shared driveway agreement (4-0)
• Accepted minutes of June 1, 2026 special meeting (4-0)

Historic or Architectural Review Board

The Historic Commission will consider two applications: one for roof shingle replacement and chimney removal at 64 Tompkins St., and another for window signs installed without prior approval at 6 Main St. The board will also discuss city code regulations for signage in historic and business districts, and an update on developing guidelines for integrating murals in the downtown historic district.

• Application by Calabro Properties to replace roof shingles and remove exterior chimneys at 64 Tompkins St.
• Application by Carlo Falso (Ceasers/Skinfinity) for window signs installed without prior approval at 6 Main St.
• Discussion of signage regulations under §300-54 (Historic Overlay District) and §300-116 (Central Business District)
• Discussion of developing guidelines for murals in the downtown historic district

Common Council

The Common Council scheduled a public hearing for July 7, 2026, to consider rezoning 47 parcels from Central Business to Residential districts to encourage first-floor housing. The Council also approved several special event permits, budget amendments, and grant applications.

• Scheduled July 7 public hearing for rezoning 47 parcels to Residential districts
• Scheduled public hearing for FY 2026 Community Development Block Grant Program
• Scheduled public hearing for amendments to Article 11 of the City Code
• Approved special event permits for Cortland Arts off Main, ADA Celebration, and HS Alumni Weekend
• Approved sound device permit for 23 Pearne Ave. on June 27, 2026
• Authorized agreement with Thoma for CDBG housing rehabilitation services
• Authorized application for New York Main Street Anchor Grant Program funding
• Approved three amendments to the 2026 Adopted Budget

Fire Commission

The Board of Fire Commissioners will meet to discuss the Fire Chief position as a new business item. Reports will include May sick time hours (431.5), year-to-date budget status, and updates from the chief, deputy chief, and volunteer coordinator. The meeting is largely procedural with one substantive item on the future of the Fire Chief role.

• New Business: Fire Chief Position discussion
• May sick time hours reported: 431.5
• Fire and Code Budget Status Reports for 2026 year-to-date
• Apparatus and Training update from Battalion Chief
• Volunteer Membership Coordinator Report

The Board of Fire Commissioners accepted the May meeting minutes and filed the 2026 year-to-date Fire and Code budget report. No new business was discussed.

• Approved May meeting minutes
• Filed 2026 Fire and Code budget report
• No new business discussed

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Cortland Zoning Board of Appeals holds a special meeting to decide on a use variance for 77-79 Main St. Owner Keith Fox (Cortland Student Living LLC) seeks to formally recognize existing first-floor residential units in the Central Business District as a permitted use, correcting a past approval that violated zoning code §300-32.

• Public hearing and decision on use variance for first-floor residential units at 77-79 Main St. by Keith Fox (Cortland Student Living LLC)

The Zoning Board of Appeals granted a use variance to allow two residential units on the first floor of a mixed-use building at 77-79 Main St. The 4-0 vote resolved a discrepancy with zoning code §300-32.

• Approved use variance for 2 residential units at 77-79 Main St. (4-0)
• Accepted minutes of May 18, 2026 meeting (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Cortland Planning Commission will discuss and possibly decide on a proposed zoning change at its June 1, 2026 meeting. The agenda also includes site plan reviews for properties at 77-79 Main Street, a Solar8 LLC project near I-81, and 160 Clinton Avenue.

• Proposed zoning change (agenda item 4)
• Site plan review for 77-79 Main Street
• Site plan review for Solar8 LLC - I-81
• Site plan review for 160 Clinton Avenue

The Planning Commission approved three site plan reviews and recommended rezoning 47 parcels from commercial to residential districts to support housing. The commission recommended modifying the zoning for two Lincoln Avenue parcels to protect existing business uses.

• Approved 77-79 Main St. site plan with stipulations (6-0)
• Approved CT Solar 8 interconnection site plan (6-0)
• Approved 160 Clinton Ave. Goodwill renovation site plan (6-0)
• Recommended rezoning 47 parcels to R-2/R-4 districts (6-0)
• Recommended modifying 6-8 and 9-11 Lincoln Ave. to R-4 (6-0)
• Accepted previous meeting minutes (6-0)

Police Commission

The Cortland Police Commission meets May 27, 2026, to review minutes, bills, and reports from the previous meeting. Old business includes updates on recruitment, police vehicles, training, and accreditation. New business covers short-term paid parking in college areas, recent pursuits, firearms training, and sharing commission reports with the City Council.

• Short Term Paid Parking-College Areas in July
• Sharing Commission Reports with City Council
• Spring Firearms Training, Red Dot Transition
• K9 Atti Training 5/23-5/30
• Recent Pursuits discussion

The Police Commission approved the April meeting minutes and bills totaling $13,797.21. The Commission discussed various reports including budget status, training needs, and recent police activities. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session regarding personnel matters.

• Approved April meeting minutes
• Approved April bills totaling $13,797.21
• Approved sharing monthly reports with City Council
• Approved paid parking on ten campus streets starting July
• Approved use of vacant property for live fire training
• Entered executive session to discuss personnel matters

Common Council

The council voted 5-0 to endorse $25,000 grant applications for cybersecurity assessments for the Wastewater and Water departments and to approve event permits for the Juneteenth celebration. The minutes of the May 5 meeting were also accepted. The finance report noted an anticipated $1 million revenue shortfall but no action was taken.

• Accepted minutes of May 5, 2026 (5-0)
• Endorsed $25,000 SECURE grant applications for Wastewater and Water Dept cybersecurity assessments (5-0)
• Approved event permits for Juneteenth celebration in Courthouse Park on June 19, 2026 (5-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved three area variances for a garage addition at 4 Summit St. The board also accepted the minutes from the April 27, 2026 meeting.

• Approved area variances for building height, vegetative strip, and lot size at 4 Summit St. (4-0)
• Approved minutes of the April 27, 2026 meeting (4-0)

Fire Commission

The Board of Fire Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on May 14, 2026. The agenda is largely procedural with reports on sick time hours (359.5), budget status, and updates from chiefs. No new business or old business items are listed, making this a routine meeting.

• Approval of minutes from the April 2026 meeting
• Report on April sick time hours: 359.5
• Fire and Code budget status reports for 2026 year to date
• Chief's report (no specific items listed)
• Deputy Chief PR update

The Board of Fire Commissioners approved the April meeting minutes and the April sick leave report. The Commission also signed letters regarding life-saving measures from February and the disbandment of the Auxiliary.

• Approved April meeting minutes
• Accepted April sick leave report of 359.5 hours
• Signed letter thanking firefighters for life saving measures performed February 26, 2026
• Signed letter accepting disbandment of the Auxiliary from April 8 meeting

Common Council

The Common Council approved 12 resolutions, including amendments to the 2026 General and Sewer Fund budgets, authorization for a police K-9 unit, and agreements for water quality improvement construction. The Council also accepted the minutes from the April 21 meeting and heard a finance update regarding bond anticipation notes and the 2024 audit.

• Accepted April 21 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Authorized mortgage subordination for income property rehab (7-0)
• Authorized discharge of Declaration of Interest for 77-79 Main Street (7-0)
• Amended 2026 Adopted General Fund Budget
• Amended 2026 Adopted Sewer Fund Budget
• Authorized purchase of Police K-9
• Authorized agreement with M.A. Bongiovanni for Water Quality Improvement Project construction
• Authorized agreement with Emerald Electrical for Water Quality Improvement Project construction

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved multiple development projects including a sign at 107-111 Main St. and residential improvements on Groton Ave. A special use permit for a home day care at 143 Port Watson St. was also approved with specific drop-off requirements.

• Approved minor improvement plan for 107-111 Main St. sign (5-0)
• Approved special use permit for 143 Port Watson St. day care with Bartlett St. pickup/drop-off condition (5-0)
• Approved site plan for 134 Groton Ave. porch reinstallation (5-0)
• Approved flood plain development permit for 134 Groton Ave. (5-0)
• Approved site plan for 136 Groton Ave. addition (5-0)
• Approved flood plain development permit for 136 Groton Ave. (5-0)
• Accepted April 6, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to consider multiple cases, but the agenda provides only addresses and case numbers with no details on the nature of the requests.

• 107-111 Main St. (ZBA04.27.26 PC05.04.26)
• 143 Port Watson St. (ZBA04.27.26 PC05.04.26)
• 134 Groton Ave. (ZBA04.27.26 PC05.04.26)
• 136 Groton Ave. (ZBA04.27.26 PC05.04.26)
• 188 Main St. (ZBA04.27.26)

The Cortland Zoning Board of Appeals approved five variance and interpretation requests at its April 27, 2026 meeting. Notably, it granted a use variance to allow one residential unit on the first floor of 188 Main St., a use not permitted as-of-right in the Central Business District. The board also classified a state-licensed group family day care at 143 Port Watson St. as a home occupation requiring only a special use permit, and approved area variances for a sign at 107-111 Main St. and for properties at 134 and 136 Groton Ave. with conditions.

• Approved area variance for a 2'x10' sign at 107-111 Main St. (4-0)
• Issued zoning interpretation that in-home childcare at 143 Port Watson St. is a home occupation allowable with a special use permit (4-0)
• Approved area variances for porch reinstallation at 134 Groton Ave. with conditions (5-0)
• Approved area variances for addition at 136 Groton Ave. with conditions (5-0)
• Granted use variance for one first-floor residential unit at 188 Main St. (5-0)
• Accepted minutes of January 26, 2026 meeting (5-0)

Police Commission

The Cortland Police Commission will hold a regular meeting with approval of minutes and bills, review of reports, and updates on old business including Power Engage policy, recruit updates, police vehicles, training, accreditation, COPS update, SUNY web design, and Taser equipment. New business items include civil service exam, new canine purchase and training, budget, Flock cameras, motor vehicle accidents, community connections, and personnel issues. The meeting also includes commendations and commissioner comments.

• New Canine Purchase and Canine Selection/Training
• Flock Cameras
• Budget Discussion
• Taser Equipment Update
• Personnel Issue Update and Personnel Complaint Referral

The Police Commission approved the March meeting minutes and bills totaling $68,474.74. The group discussed budget cuts, new K9 equipment, and upcoming Civil Service exams.

• Approved March meeting minutes (Whitlock/Hansen)
• Approved March bills totaling $68,474.74 (Starr/Hansen)
• Approved March reports (Hansen/Starr)
• Discussed budget cuts of $1.5 million
• Discussed new K9 purchase exceeding fundraising goal
• Discussed upcoming Civil Service exam for one open position
• Discussed Flock camera integration
• Discussed officer-involved motor vehicle accidents

Common Council

The Common Council approved resolutions to amend the 2025 and 2026 budgets and authorized the issuance of $169,138 in bonds to purchase a firefighting vehicle. The council also approved event permits for the St. Anthony's Italian Festival and Main Street Live concert series.

• Approved Resolution 63: Event permits for St. Anthony's Italian Festival (June 13-14, 2026)
• Approved Resolution 64: Event permits for Main Street Live Concert Series (July 10, 17, 24, 31, 2026)
• Approved Resolution 65: SEQRA Type II declaration for purchasing a firefighting vehicle
• Approved Resolution 66: Authorization to issue $169,138 serial bonds for a firefighting vehicle
• Approved Resolution 67: Amendment to the 2025 Adopted Budget
• Approved Resolution 68: Amendment to the 2026 Adopted Budget
• Approved Resolution 69: Support for NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code Accountability Act legislation
• Approved Resolution 70: Acceptance of donations to the Youth Bureau

Fire Commission

The Board of Fire Commissioners holds a regular meeting with reports on sick time hours (399 in February, 622.5 in March), year-to-date budget status, and updates from the chief, deputy chief, and volunteer coordinator. No old or new business items are listed for decision or discussion.

• February sick time: 399 hours; March sick time: 622.5 hours
• Fire and Code Budget Status Reports for 2026 year to date
• Chief’s Report and Deputy Chief PR Update

The Cortland Board of Fire Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the disbandment of the Auxiliary, with its finances moved to the Crown Company. The board also accepted the 2025 LOSAP eligible volunteers report (Commissioner Saddlemire abstained), and approved February and March sick leave reports. The February meeting minutes were approved with a correction. The budget status report for 2026 was received and filed.

• Approved February meeting minutes with correction (unanimous)
• Accepted February sick leave report of 399 hours (unanimous)
• Accepted March sick leave report of 622.5 hours (unanimous)
• Received and filed 2026 year-to-date budget report
• Accepted disbandment of Auxiliary, finances moved to Crown Company (unanimous)
• Accepted LOSAP report listing 2025 eligible volunteers (Saddlemire abstained, motion carried)

Common Council

The Common Council adopted 12 resolutions, including a call on Governor Hochul to declare an energy state of emergency amid rising costs. The council approved appointments to the Landscape and Design Commission, designated a fair housing officer, and authorized special event permits for the Pride Festival, Dairy Parade, and YWCA events. Donations to the fire, police, and youth departments were accepted, and the annual state-of-the-city report was received and filed.

• Adopted Resolution 52 calling on Governor Hochul to declare an Energy State of Emergency
• Appointed members to the Landscape and Design Commission (Resolution 51)
• Designated 125-127 Elm Street as requiring an operating permit (Resolution 53)
• Designated City of Cortland Fair Housing Officer (Resolution 54)
• Authorized humane law enforcement agreement with Cortland County SPCA (Resolution 55)
• Authorized on-call document shredding services with ShredSmart USA (Resolution 56)
• Approved special event permits for YWCA Walk the Walk and Ball Roll (Resolution 57)
• Approved event permits for Cortland Pride Festival (July 11) and Dairy Parade (June 2) (Resolutions 58-59)