Cortland public meetings in 2022
26 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Police Commission
The Police Commission approved the November meeting minutes, reports, and bills. The board reviewed department updates including budget status, training, and the outcome of grant applications.
- Approved November meeting minutes
- Approved November bills totaling $25,060.20
- Approved November reports
Common Council
The Common Council approved the 2023 Final City Budget and authorized several administrative agreements, including insurance and waste services. The council also scheduled a public hearing for a $2 million grant application to renovate the former Parker Elementary School.
- Adopted 2023 Final City Budget (8-0)
- Authorized Mayor to negotiate sales tax sharing with the County (8-0)
- Approved 2023 Amendment to Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium (8-0)
- Authorized agreement for property, casualty, auto, and professional liability insurance (8-0)
- Approved trash and recycling pickup agreements for certain property owners at $250 annual cost (8-0)
- Scheduled Jan 3, 2023 public hearing for $2 million Restore NY grant for Parker Elementary School (8-0)
- Declared May 2023 as 'No Mow May' (8-0)
- Authorized $13,545 purchase of respiratory fit test machine (8-0)
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved an area variance for a proposed senior housing facility at 30 River St. The variance allows for one parking space per unit instead of the required 1.5 spaces. The board also approved the November 28, 2023 meeting minutes.
- Approved area variance for reduced parking at 30 River St. (5-0)
- Approved November 28, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
Fire Commission
The Board of Fire Commissioners approved the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) pending a final review. The board also accepted the November 2022 meeting minutes, sick leave report, and financial report.
- Approved LOSAP pending final review of the Commission (All in favor)
- Accepted November 2022 meeting minutes (All in favor)
- Accepted November 2022 sick leave report (All in favor)
- Accepted November credit card purchase report (All in favor)
- Accepted Fire and Code budget reports (All in favor)
Common Council
The Common Council passed local laws regarding the 2023 property tax levy limit and new solid waste collection requirements. The council also approved several infrastructure design contracts and a new dog license fee schedule.
- Approved Local Law No. 14 to allow property tax levy override for fiscal year 2023 (8-0)
- Approved Local Law No. 15 establishing new trash and recycling tote requirements and fines (8-0)
- Authorized $18,000 agreement with Pracademic Partners, LLC for Director of Administrations and Finance recruitment (8-0)
- Established dog license fees: $11 for altered and $23 for unaltered dogs (8-0)
- Approved $72,500 design agreement for Homer Avenue Gateway Improvements (8-0)
- Approved $72,500 design agreement for Tompkins Street Improvement Project (8-0)
- Approved $62,000 lump sum fee for Perplexity Creek Realignment Project design (8-0)
- Authorized sale of 18 abandoned impound lot vehicles as scrap (8-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission approved the site plan for a senior housing facility at 30 River St. Approval is conditional upon the applicant obtaining a Flood Plain Development Permit and a parking variance. The commission also designated itself as the lead agency for the environmental review.
- Declared Planning Commission the lead agency for SEQR (6-0)
- Issued a Negative Declaration regarding environmental impacts (6-0)
- Approved site plan for 30 River St. senior housing subject to permit and variance conditions (5-0-1)
- Approved October 24, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
Police Commission
The Commission approved the October meeting minutes, monthly reports, and $28,580.96 in bills. Members discussed the 2023 budget, new vehicle acquisitions, and the hiring of new officers.
- Approved October meeting minutes
- Approved October bills totaling $28,580.96
- Approved October reports
Common Council
The Common Council scheduled public hearings for December 6, 2022, regarding the proposed 2023 budget, tax levy limit overrides, and solid waste code amendments. The Council also approved several personnel hires and a new electronic parking system.
- Scheduled public hearings for 2023 budget, tax levy authority, and solid waste code for Dec 6, 2022 (7-0)
- Approved $61,655 agreement for electronic parking system with Passport Parking Enforcement/United Public Safety Inc. (7-0)
- Authorized hiring of 3 firefighters to prepare for 2023 retirements (7-0)
- Authorized hiring of 2 police officers to prepare for 2023 retirements (7-0)
- Approved $250 extension fee for solar feasibility study at 136 South Pendleton Street (7-0)
- Reappointed Kathie Wilcox to the Board of Assessment Review (7-0)
- Accepted grant funds for police department ballistic vests (7-0)
- Declared Wastewater Department platform scale surplus and approved donation to Seven Valley Health Coalition (7-0)
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved area variances for a garage apartment at 13 Pomeroy and parking expansion at 51 Port Watson St. Two other variance applications were tabled. The board also approved the October 17, 2022 meeting minutes with an amendment.
- Approved Area Variance for garage apartment at 13 Pomeroy (6-0)
- Tabled Area Variance for deck expansion at 13 Kent St. (6-0)
- Tabled application for 30 River St. (6-0)
- Approved Area Variance for front yard parking expansion at 51 Port Watson St. with condition of fire lane stripping (6-0)
- Approved October 17, 2022 meeting minutes with amendment (5-0)
Common Council
The Common Council approved several budget line modifications and transfers from reserve accounts. The council also accepted all other portions of the Tentative Budget not previously modified on November 2 and 3, 2022.
- Approved transfer of $100,000 from Reserve Account AOO 3835-Rest. FB Res. Snow & Ice to A1325- 42770: OTHER UNCLASSIFIED REVENUE (4-0)
- Approved transfer of $4,000 from Reserve Account AOO 3830 Rest. FB – Res. For EE Ben. to A5110- 540800: CONTR UNIFORM, SAFETY EQUIP (4-0)
- Approved transfer of $100,000 from Reserve Account AOO 3835-Rest. FB Res. Snow & Ice to A5142- 540500: CONTR FUNCT OP EQUIP (4-0)
- Approved increase of A9040-580000 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS to $400,671 (4-0)
- Approved transfer of $20,000 from G8130-540500 CONTR FUNCT OP EQUIP to G8130- 540800 CONTR UNIFORM, SAFETY EQUIP (4-0)
- Approved addition of $4,000 to A5110-540800 CONTR UNIFORM, SAFETY EQUIP (4-0)
- Approved addition of $100,000 to A5142- 540500 CONTR FUNCT OP EQUIP (4-0)
Common Council
The Common Council reviewed and accepted portions of the Police, Department of Public Works, and Water Department budgets. Some DPW sections were approved with funding increases, while the DPW Garage and Animal Control sections saw no action.
- Approved Police Department Budget (A3120) without modification (6-0)
- Approved DPW Buildings & Grounds (A1620) without modification (6-0)
- Approved DPW Traffic Department (A3010) without modification (6-0)
- Approved DPW Administration (A5010) without modification (6-0)
- Approved DPW Maintenance (A5110) with $4,000 addition to uniforms and safety equipment (5-1)
- Approved DPW Snow & Ice Control (A5142) with $100,000 addition to functional operating equipment (6-0)
- Approved Water Department budget sections (FX0, FX8310, FX8320, FX8340) without modification (6-0)
Common Council
The Common Council reviewed and accepted tentative budgets for three city departments. The Youth Bureau and Fire Department budgets were accepted without modification, while the Wastewater Treatment budget included a $20,000 transfer.
- Accepted Youth Bureau Tentative Budget without modification (7-0)
- Accepted Wastewater Treatment Tentative Budget with a $20,000 transfer from G8130-540500 to G8130-540800 (7-0)
- Accepted Fire Department Tentative Budget without modification (7-0)
Common Council
The Common Council adopted local laws to prohibit smoking and vaping in specific public areas, including Main Street and city parks. It also updated the city code regarding towing and storage fees and authorized several infrastructure and service contracts.
- Adopted Local Law No. 13 banning smoking/vaping in city parks and within 25 feet of Main Street building entrances (8-0)
- Adopted Local Law No. 12 updating towing fees ($120-$170) and daily storage fees to $60 (8-0)
- Approved 3-year trash collection agreement with Blue Moose Sanitation Services at $400 per ton (8-0)
- Authorized $550,000 agreement with C&S Engineers Inc. for Tioughnioga River pedestrian bridge and trail design (8-0)
- Authorized city-wide property revaluation for the 2023 Final Assessment Roll (8-0)
- Approved support for a 53-unit affordable senior housing project by Cortland Housing Assistance Council (7-0, 1 abstain)
- Decreased non-residential building inspection fees effective January 1, 2023 (8-0)
- Tabled agreement for Headquarters Fire Station exterior and cast stone repair (8-0)
Planning Commission
The Cortland Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting and public hearing on October 24, 2022. The main items are site plan reviews for a parking expansion at 51 Port Watson St., a senior housing facility at 30 River St., and lighting at 154-156 Clinton Ave. The commission will also review proposed zoning code changes.
- 51 Port Watson St. — parking expansion into front yard (R-1 zone)
- 30 River St. — construction of a senior housing facility (GB-2 zone)
- 154-156 Clinton Ave — site plan review for lighting (GB-1 zone)
- Review of zoning code changes
The Cortland Planning Commission approved a site plan review for a parking expansion at 51 Port Watson Street, subject to a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals. A 53-unit senior housing project at 30 River Street was discussed but no action was taken. Lighting repairs at 154-156 Clinton Avenue were approved without conditions.
- Approved site plan review for 51 Port Watson Street parking expansion, subject to variance (4-0)
- No action taken on 30 River Street senior housing project; referred to County Planning Board
- Approved site plan for lighting repairs at 154-156 Clinton Avenue without conditions (5-0)
- Approved minutes of September 26, 2022 meeting (5-0)
Planning Commission
The City of Cortland Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to review site and parking plans for residential properties. The commission will also consider a lot consolidation for a local food market and review zoning code changes.
- Site plan review for parking at 12 Lincoln Ave.
- Parking plan for two-family residence at 12 Washington St.
- Lot consolidation of parking lot and store at 37-39 Main St.
- Review of Zoning Code Changes
Fire Commission
The Board of Fire Commissioners will review staff sick reports and credit card statements from August 2022. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding the resignation of Jason Thornton.
- Review of August 2022 paid staff sick report
- Review of August 2022 credit card statement
- Discussion of Jason Thornton resignation
Planning Commission
The City of Cortland Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to review a site plan for a UPS location. The commission will also review changes to the zoning code.
- Site plan review for 14 N. Franklin St. (Kane, UPS) regarding a loading dock in the parking area
- Review of Zoning Code changes
Fire Commission
The Board of Fire Commissioners will review the June 2022 staff sick report and credit card statement. The agenda includes an overview on consolidation by Andrew Meldrim and a budget status report.
- Andrew Meldrim overview on consolidation
- Fire and Code Budget Status Report
- Update on Firefighter for a Day Camp
- SUNY Impact funding update
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will review several site plan applications, including a second shed at 162 Tompkins St. and parking lot improvements at 134 and 150 Homer Ave. The commission will also review a solar farm plan for 22 Locust Ave.
- Site Plan Review: 162 Tompkins St. (second shed in side yard)
- Site Plan Review: 134, 150 Homer Ave. (parking lot resurfacing and landscaping)
- Site Plan Review: 22 Locust Ave. (solar farm plan)
Planning Commission
The City of Cortland Planning Commission is meeting to consider four permit and site plan requests. These include a seasonal fireworks tent and the installation of rooftop solar panels.
- Special Use Permit for seasonal fireworks tent at 160 Clinton Ave.
- Site Plan Review for dumpster corral location at 40-44 Rickard St.
- Special Use Permit for rooftop solar on commercial buildings at 185 Main St.
- Site Plan Review for a second shed in the side yard at 162 Tompkins St.
Fire Commission
The Board of Fire Commissioners will meet to approve April 2022 sick reports and credit card statements. The meeting includes updates on administrative staff, apparatus, and grants, as well as a report on consolidation and merger.
- Approval of April 2022 Paid Staff Sick Report
- Approval of April 2022 Credit Card Statement
- BOE Report on Consolidation/Merger
- Recruit Firefighter Training Status
- Administrative staff changes update
Fire Commission
The Board of Fire Commissioners will meet to approve March 2022 financial and sick reports. The board is considering a resolution to award points for COVID-19 regarding the volunteer LOSAP Award and the approval of the 2021 LOSAP award list.
- Resolution to award points for COVID for volunteer LOSAP Award
- Approval of 2021 LOSAP award list
- Report on surplus turnout gear to Ukraine
- Approval of March 2022 Credit Card Statement
- Approval of March 2022 Paid Staff Sick Report
Fire Commission
The Board of Fire Commissioners will meet to approve February 2021 paid staff sick reports and credit card statements. The meeting includes reports on hazmat calls, apparatus status, and a food drive.
- Approval of Paid Staff Sick Report: February 2021
- Approval of CC Statement: February 2021
- Report on Haz Mat Call and Apparatus Status
- Report on Food Drive and public relations event
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will elect a Chair and Vice-Chair and appoint Joanne Sweeney as Secretary. The meeting includes discussions on site improvements at 17-19 Clayton Avenue and a subdivision at 160 Clinton Avenue.
- Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
- Appointment of Joanne Sweeney as Secretary
- Site improvements: 17-19 Clayton Avenue (Calabro Apartments LLC)
- Subdivision: 160 Clinton Avenue (Salt City Development, LLC)
- Lot line adjustment: 12 Pearl St. (Gregory)
Fire Commission
The Board of Fire Commissioners is meeting to approve January 2021 sick reports and credit card statements. The session includes reports on vehicle maintenance and a grant approved by the Council.
- Approval of Paid Staff Sick Report: January 2021
- Approval of CC Statement: January 2021
- Update on vehicle maintenance status
- Report on Council grant approval
- February food drive announcement
Fire Commission
The Board of Fire Commissioners will meet to review reports and approve administrative documents. The agenda consists of procedural items and reports from department leadership.
- Approval of December 2021 Paid Staff Sick Report
- Approval of December 2021 CC Statement
- Review of December Board of Fire Commissioners meeting minutes