Elmira, NY

Elmira City Council

The Elmira City Council is meeting to act on several resolutions, including a $340,756.50 purchase agreement with Axon Enterprises for police body cameras, a $200,550.40 state grant for victim services, and a proposed ordinance amendment on accessory dwelling units. The council will also hold a public hearing on the city's 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) and consider personnel appointments, bid rejection, and audits.

• Purchase agreement with Axon Enterprises for body cameras and equipment totaling $340,756.50, with annual payments of $68,151.30 from 2027 to 2032
• Resolution to reject all bids for the Elevator Modernization Project at Centertown Parking Garage due to costs exceeding available funds
• Receipt of $200,550.40 from NYS Office of Victim Services for a 2-year grant, with city matching funds of $100,752.08 cash
• Proposed ordinance amendment to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), referred to planning boards for review
• Personnel appointments: Fire Captain Calvin T. Cady ($102,292), Deputy Fire Chief Matthew P. Harvey ($108,058), Fire Lieutenant John P. Vasquez ($92,345), and Kennel Worker Brynne T. Stermer ($32,911)

Elmira City Council

The Elmira City Council is meeting to act on routine personnel actions, including retirements in the fire department and a new police officer appointment, along with several resolutions and agreements. Items include declaring surplus vehicles for auction, purchasing a mower for the golf course, granting an easement for a water flushing station, and hiring an engineering firm for fire headquarters renovations. The agenda also includes multiple audit reports and a public hearing on the city's annual performance report.

• Retirements of Deputy Fire Chief William M. Gillette and Firefighter Brent P. Jensen; appointment of Brian J. Evans as Police Officer at $65,922.47 annual salary
• Purchase of Toro Groundsmaster 3500-D mower for Mark Twain Golf Course at $45,036.50
• Retention of Hunt Engineers for fire headquarters renovations: $12,250 schematic design, $8,120 building survey, $1,500 expenses
• Declaring abandoned vehicles as surplus for auction or sale to Horseheads Pick-A-Part
• Public hearing on 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report

The Elmira City Council approved all agenda items unanimously (5-0), including personnel actions (retirements and a new police officer), a resolution of appreciation, scheduling a public hearing, declaring surplus vehicles for sale, purchasing a mower, granting an easement, and retaining engineering services. Several audits were also approved on consent.

• Approved personnel actions: Deputy Fire Chief William M. Gillette and Firefighter Brent P. Jensen retired; Brian J. Evans appointed Police Officer at $65,922.47 (5-0)
• Approved resolution of appreciation for William M. Gillette's 29 years of service (5-0)
• Approved resolution of appreciation for Brent P. Jensen's 22 years of service (5-0)
• Scheduled public hearing on 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (5-0)
• Declared abandoned/impounded vehicles as surplus and authorized sale via Auctions International or Horseheads Pick-A-Part (5-0)
• Approved purchase of Toro Groundsmaster 3500-D mower for Mark Twain Golf Course at $45,036.50 (5-0)
• Approved easement to City for Elmira Water Board flushing station on Notre Dame High School property (5-0)
• Retained Hunt Engineers for Fire Department Headquarters renovations: $12,250 schematic design, $8,120 building survey/10-yr plan, plus $1,500 expenses (5-0)

Elmira City Council

The Elmira City Council will consider a series of resolutions including personnel actions (retirements and a new police officer appointment), declaring abandoned vehicles as surplus for auction or sale, purchasing a mower for the golf course, granting an easement to the Elmira Water Board, and retaining engineering services for fire department renovations. The council will also act on audits of the Vacant Rental Program, Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program, and Community Development Block Grant Program, and schedule a public hearing on the 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report.

• Appointment of Brian J. Evans as Police Officer at $65,922.47/year
• Purchase of Toro Groundsmaster 3500-D mower for Mark Twain Golf Course at $45,036.50
• Retention of Hunt Engineers for fire department HQ renovations at $12,250 (schematic design) plus $8,120 (building survey and 10-yr capital plan)
• Easement to Elmira Water Board for flushing station on Notre Dame High School property
• Public hearing on 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report

Elmira City Council

The Elmira City Council will consider several personnel appointments and the 2025 Audited Financial Report. The body is also reviewing license extensions for Dunn Field and Clemens Square, as well as a contract for employee assistance services.

• Appointment of two Public Works Specialists at $20.01/hour and one Police Officer at $65,922.00 annually
• One-year extension of the Dunn Field license agreement with Elmira Amateur Baseball Club, LLC through October 13, 2027
• Agreement with Southern Tier Counseling Center, LLC for Employee Assistance Program services at a cost of $5,025.00
• Police Department overtime payments totaling $120,429.19 across four pay periods
• First Amendment to the Clemens Square License and Property Access Agreement regarding reimbursement thresholds of $69,639.72

The Council approved several new city employee appointments and the 2025 Audited Financial Report. Other actions included extending a baseball club license and approving police overtime payments.

• Appointed Preston R. Hauver and Xavier A. Jones as Public Works Specialists ($20.01/hr) and Jack P. Chapman as Police Officer ($65,922/yr) (7-0)
• Approved 2025 Audited Financial Report and authorized closing 2025 books (7-0)
• Approved one-year extension for Elmira Amateur Baseball Club, LLC use of Dunn Field through Oct 13, 2027 (6-1)
• Approved MOU for changes to Collective Bargaining Agreement with Civil Service Employees Association, Local 1000, Unit #6531 (7-0)
• Approved $5,025 agreement with Southern Tier Counseling Center, LLC for Employee Assistance Program services (7-0)
• Approved Elmira Police Department overtime for pay periods 9-12 totaling $110,429.19 (7-0)
• Approved Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program, Community Development Block Grant Program, and general audits (7-0)
• Withdrew First Amendment to Clemens Square License and Property Access Agreement

Elmira City Council

The City Council will consider several personnel appointments, including two public works specialists and a police officer. They will also act on a one-year extension of the license agreement for Dunn Field with the Elmira Amateur Baseball Club, a new memorandum of understanding with the CSEA union covering 2027-2028, and a contract with Southern Tier Counseling for employee assistance services. Additionally, they will review the 2025 audited financial report and approve police overtime for recent pay periods.

• Personnel appointments: Preston R. Hauver and Xavier A. Preston as Public Works Specialists at $20.01/hour; Jack P. Chapman as Police Officer at $65,922/year
• One-year extension of license agreement with Elmira Amateur Baseball Club for use of Dunn Field through October 13, 2027
• Approval of MOU amending collective bargaining agreement with CSEA Local 1000, Unit #6531, effective January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2028
• Agreement with Southern Tier Counseling Center for Employee Assistance Program at $5,025 for August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027
• First amendment to Clemens Square License Agreement holding $69,639.62 in reimbursement obligations in abeyance until costs are incurred

Elmira City Council

The Elmira City Council will vote on resolutions to appoint three new firefighters and a youth program coordinator, each with specified annual salaries. Members will also review and act on overtime reports for the fire department totaling over $62,000 across four pay periods. Additionally, the council will approve audit findings for lead hazard reduction, community development block grants, and a general city audit.

• Appointment of three firefighters at $57,808.00 annual salary each
• Appointment of a Youth Program Coordinator at $46,648.00 annual salary
• Fire Department overtime reports totaling $38,207.37 and $24,335.56
• Approval of Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program Audit
• Approval of Community Development Block Grant Program Audit

The City Council approved several personnel appointments and retirements, including three new firefighters. The council also approved two reports regarding fire department overtime pay periods.

• Approved June 29, 2026 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved appointments of Jacob R. Carrigan, Luke B. Berry, and Jonathan D. Carpenter as Firefighters at $57,808.00 annual salary (7-0)
• Approved retirement of Lisa A. Miller as Youth Program Coordinator (7-0)
• Approved appointment of Jillina P. Wallace as Youth Program Coordinator at $46,648.00 annual salary (7-0)
• Approved appreciation for Lisa A. Miller's 32 years of service (7-0)
• Approved Fire Department overtime report for pay periods 7 and 8 totaling $38,207.37 (7-0)
• Approved Fire Department overtime report for pay periods 9 and 10 totaling $24,335.56 (7-0)
• Approved Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program Audit (7-0)

Elmira City Council

The Elmira City Council will consider approving the minutes of the June 29 meeting and personnel actions including the appointment of new firefighters and a Youth Program Coordinator. The body will also act on resolutions regarding overtime for the Elmira Fire Department and audits for grant programs.

• Appoint Jacob R. Carrigan, Luke B. Berry, and Jonathan D. Carpenter as Firefighters at $57,808.00 annually
• Appoint Jillina P. Wallace as Youth Program Coordinator at $46,648.00 annually
• Extend appreciation to Lisa A. Miller for 32 years of service
• Act on overtime reports for the Elmira Fire Department totaling $62,542.93
• Act on audits for the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant and Community Development Block Grant programs

Elmira City Council

The Elmira City Council will consider a resolution to move all city officers, employees, and retirees from the Platinum Plan to the Gold High Deductible Health Plan effective January 1, 2027. The council will also vote on a FOIL policy requiring monthly publication of record requesters, approve a $254,035 GIVE XIII grant for the police department, and act on several personnel appointments and program audits.

• Resolution 2026-172 to move city health coverage from Platinum to Gold HDHP plan effective Jan 1, 2027
• Resolution 2026-171 adopting a FOIL policy requiring monthly publication of requester names
• Agreement 2026-173 approving an intermunicipal agreement for the GIVE XIII grant ($254,035) for the Elmira Police Department
• Personnel action 2026-169 appointing Kimberlee Balok Middaugh as part-time Personnel Director ($35,880/year) and Janeah Thomas as Accountant ($68,508/year)
• Appointment 2026-170 of Olivia Furness to the Board of Assessment Review through September 2029

The Council approved several personnel actions, including two new staff appointments. They also authorized an intermunicipal agreement for a $254,035 police grant and approved a shift in health insurance coverage to the Gold High Deductible Health Plan effective January 1, 2027.

• Approved June 15, 2026 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Appointed Kimberlee Balok Middaugh as part-time Personnel Director (7-0)
• Appointed Janeah Thomas as Accountant (7-0)
• Appointed Olivia Furness to the Board of Assessment Review (7-0)
• Approved move from Platinum Plan to Gold High Deductible Health Plan effective January 1, 2027 (6-1)
• Approved $254,035 GIVE XIII Initiative Project Grant for Elmira Police Department (7-0)
• Approved Vacant Rental Improvement Program Audit (7-0)
• Approved Lead Hazard Reduction Program Audit (7-0)

Elmira City Council

The council will vote on a $1.86M parking garage contract, personnel changes including new deputy fire chiefs and the retirement of the city manager, and several other agreements and ordinances.

• Award contracts for Centertown Parking Garage Improvements Phase II: Crane-Hogan Structural Systems ($947,300), Matco Electrical ($6,700), Kimble ($894,400 plus $12,000 alternative) – total ~$1.86M
• Appoint Andrew D. Johnson and Scott J. Ruhmel as Deputy Fire Chiefs (salaries $109,125 and $110,416), plus other fire and city staff appointments
• Accept retirement of City Manager P. Michael Collins and approve appreciation resolutions for retiring fire and city employees
• Ordinance to amend Zoning Ordinance (Appendix B, Article IV, Section 413(b)) and Code of Ordinances (Chapter VIII, Article II, Division 26, Section 8-247)
• Approve agreement with USDA APHIS Wildlife Services for goose management at Eldridge Lake at cost of $2,800

The council approved a $1.86 million contract for the Centertown Parking Garage Phase II improvements, awarded to three contractors. It also approved personnel actions including the retirement of City Manager P. Michael Collins and appointment of interim replacements, mandated annual sexual harassment training for elected officials, and authorized a $50,000 comprehensive plan review.

• Awarded $1.86M in parking garage improvement contracts to Crane-Hogan, Matco, and Kimble (6-0, Grasso abstain)
• Approved personnel actions including appointment of new deputy fire chiefs and interim city chamberlain (7-0)
• Accepted Water Board election results, declaring Robert L. Briggs elected (7-0)
• Mandated annual sexual harassment training for elected officials with compensation withheld for non-compliance (7-0)
• Approved zoning ordinance amendment (7-0) and code amendment (6-1, Grasso nay)
• Authorized $2,800 agreement with USDA for goose management at Eldridge Lake (7-0)
• Selected LaBella Associates for comprehensive plan review, up to $50,000 (7-0)
• Extended contract with NYSID for one year at $64,130.52 (7-0)

Elmira City Council

The Elmira City Council will vote on a settlement of assessment challenges for Mark Twain Golf Course, establishing a $1.15 million value. The council will also consider appointing Charmain Cattan as interim city manager, awarding contracts for generators at two fire stations, and approving police overtime of $170,724.84. Several audits and a license renewal for parking are on the agenda.

• Resolution to settle Mark Twain Golf Course assessment challenges at $1,150,000 (2026-139)
• Ordinance to appoint Charmain Cattan as Interim City Manager effective June 13, 2026 (2026-141)
• Award $54,910 contract to Diversified Wireless for generator at Fire Dept Headquarters (2026-143)
• Award $45,780 contract to Diversified Wireless for generator at Fire Station #3 (2026-144)
• Approval of $170,724.84 in police overtime for pay periods 1-8 of 2026 (2026-146)

The City Council appointed an interim city manager and approved several infrastructure contracts, including generator installations for fire stations. The council also authorized police overtime payments and a settlement regarding the Mark Twain Golf Course assessment.

• Appointed Charmain Cattan as Interim City Manager effective June 13, 2026 (6-1)
• Approved $54,910 contract with Diversified Wireless, Inc. for generator at Fire Dept Headquarters (7-0)
• Approved $45,780 contract with Diversified Wireless, Inc. for generator at Fire Station #3 (7-0)
• Approved $170,724.84 in overtime for Elmira Police Department for pay periods 1-8 of 2026 (7-0)
• Approved settlement for Mark Twain Golf Course assessment at $1,150,000 full market value (7-0)
• Approved $4,000 gift from James Capriotti for security cameras in Centertown Parking Garage (7-0)
• Renewed one-year right-of-way parking license for RS Food Mart, Inc. for $550 (7-0)
• Approved records of attendance for City Council Workshops (6-1)

Elmira City Council

The Elmira City Council will vote on several resolutions, including referring a proposed amendment to the city's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) code to the planning commission, awarding contracts for generator installations at two fire stations totaling $100,690, and approving a $35,646.62 park maintenance contract. The council will also accept a donated bullet and stab protective vest for a police K9 officer and act on personnel actions and multiple grant program audits.

• Proposed amendment to Appendices B and B-1 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) referred to City Planning Commission and County Planning Board
• Award $54,910 contract to Diversified Wireless, Inc. for generator installation at Elmira Fire Dept Headquarters (RFB-374)
• Award $45,780 contract to Diversified Wireless, Inc. for generator installation at Elmira Fire Station #3 (RFB-375)
• Accept donation of bullet and stab protective vest from Invested Interest in K9's, Inc. for Elmira Police K9 Officer Grady at no cost
• Authorize $35,646.62 maintenance services agreement with NYS Industries for the Disabled, Inc. for Eldridge, Grove and McKinnon Parks (17 weeks, retroactive to May 1, 2026)

The Elmira City Council voted 6-0 to refer a proposed amendment to the Code of Ordinances regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to the City Planning Commission and County Planning Board for review and recommendations. The council also approved personnel actions, accepted a donated K9 vest, awarded a park maintenance contract, and approved several grant program audits. Two generator installation contracts were withdrawn from consideration.

• Approved resolution dispensing with minutes of May 4 meeting (6-0)
• Approved personnel actions: police officer resignation and solid waste specialist appointment (6-0)
• Accepted donation of bullet/stab protective vest for K9 Officer Grady from Invested Interest in K9's, Inc. (6-0)
• Referred proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance amendment to Planning Commission and County Planning Board (6-0)
• Withdrew two generator installation contracts (Fire Headquarters and Station #3)
• Approved $35,646.62 maintenance contract with NYS Industries for the Disabled for Eldridge, Grove, and McKinnon Parks (6-0)
• Approved audits for Anti Displacement Learning Network, Vacant Rental, Lead Hazard Reduction, Community Development Block Grant, and a general audit (6-0 each)
• Approved meeting adjournment (6-0)

Elmira City Council

The City Council will act on a resolution to prohibit data center construction in all zoning districts, and consider the 2026-2027 CDBG and HOME Annual Action Plan submission. Other items include a tax certiorari settlement for properties at 209 Mount Zoar St and 119 West 2nd St, a shared services agreement with the Town of Erin for code inspection services ($2,472), and appointments to the Board of Assessment Review.

• Resolution 2026-116: intent to prohibit data center construction in all city zoning districts
• Resolution 2026-115: authorize submission of 2026-2027 CDBG and HOME Annual Action Plan to HUD
• Resolution 2026-117: settle tax certiorari for 209 Mount Zoar St and 119 West 2nd St properties (RAD NY Elmira)
• Resolution 2026-120: 4-month shared services agreement with Town of Erin for code inspection services, cost $2,472
• Ordinance 2026-118: delegate power to City Chamberlain to issue Tax Anticipated Notes

The City Council approved an 18-month moratorium on issuing zoning and building permits for data centers and their accessory structures, by a 5-1 vote. The council also appointed Bruce Stanko to the Board of Assessment Review, authorized submission of the city's 2026-2027 CDBG and HOME Action Plan to HUD, and approved a tax certiorari settlement for two properties. Several routine audits and administrative resolutions were passed, most unanimously.

• Approved 18-month moratorium on data center permits (5-1)
• Appointed Bruce Stanko to Board of Assessment Review (6-0)
• Authorized submission of 2026-2027 CDBG/HOME Annual Action Plan to HUD (6-0)
• Approved settlement of tax certiorari for 209 Mount Zoar St and 119 West 2nd St (6-0)
• Delegated to City Chamberlain authority to issue Tax Anticipation Notes (6-0)
• Approved shared services agreement with Town of Erin for code enforcement (6-0)
• Accepted Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program Audit (6-0)
• Accepted Community Development Block Grant Program Audit (5-0, 1 abstention)

Elmira City Council

The Elmira City Council will consider an ordinance delegating authority to the City Chamberlain to issue tax anticipation notes. They will also vote on contracts including a $68,500 drainage project at Clemens Square, a $12,000 splash pad design at Brand Park, and a $1 transfer of four tasers from Corning. Personnel actions include promotion of a police captain at $133,034 and other appointments. The council will also approve intermunicipal animal control agreements with Ashland and Catlin towns.

• Ordinance to delegate tax anticipation note issuance authority (2026-100)
• Clemens Square Drainage Project awarded to Nelson & Streeter Construction for $68,500 (2026-102)
• Splash Pad design at Brand Park with Fagan Engineers for $12,000 (2026-103)
• Police Captain appointment: Joshua J. Pratt at $133,034 annual salary (2026-99)
• Animal control agreements: Town of Ashland ($6,471/yr) and Town of Catlin ($9,792/yr) (2026-104/105)

The Elmira City Council approved a $68,500 drainage project contract and a $12,000 splash pad engineering contract. They also approved personnel appointments and intermunicipal agreements for animal control services.

• Approved $68,500 Clemens Square Drainage Project contract (7-0)
• Approved $12,000 Splash Pad engineering contract (6-1)
• Approved Police Captain appointment ($133,034.44 salary)
• Approved Police Lieutenant appointment ($123,560.98 salary)
• Approved Police Sergeant appointment ($114,080.29 salary)
• Approved Animal Control agreement with Town of Ashland ($6,471.49/yr)
• Approved Animal Control agreement with Town of Catlin ($9,792.00/yr)
• Approved Fire Department overtime payment ($57,904.55)

Elmira City Council

The Elmira City Council will act on a bond ordinance authorizing up to $6,465,029 for capital improvements, with $3,338,565 in bonds. They will also vote on appointing Timothy E. Overly as Fire Chief at an annual salary of $118,241, approve a new four-year contract with Elmira City Firefighters Local 709, and settle tax certiorari proceedings with Walgreens for properties at 402 N. Main Street and 424 S. Main Street. Other items include removing parking meters in designated downtown areas and establishing two-hour parking, as well as awarding contracts for hot mix asphalt ($1,023,644.90) and cat enclosure units ($67,170).

• Appointment of Timothy E. Overly as Fire Chief at $118,241/year
• Ordinance authorizing $6,465,029 in capital items and $3,338,565 in bonds
• Settlement of tax certiorari proceedings with Walgreen Eastern Co. for 402 N. Main Street and 424 S. Main Street
• Removal of parking meters and establishment of two-hour parking in downtown Elmira effective May 1, 2026
• New 4-year contract with Elmira City Firefighters Local 709 retroactive to January 1, 2026

The Elmira City Council approved a $6.47 million capital project authorization funded partly by $3.34 million in bonds. Council also approved the appointment of Timothy E. Overly as Fire Chief, settled two tax certiorari cases, removed parking meters downtown, and authorized a new firefighter union contract. All other resolutions passed mostly unanimously, with one council member voting against several items.

• Appointed Timothy Overly as Fire Chief at $118,241/yr (7-0)
• Settled tax certiorari with Walgreen Eastern Co. for 402 N. Main St (7-0)
• Settled tax certiorari with Walgreen Eastern Co./Niagara Villas for 424 S. Main St (7-0)
• Adopted amended purchasing policy (6-1)
• Adopted amended City Council rules (6-1)
• Approved ordinance removing parking meters and establishing 2-hour parking downtown effective May 1 (7-0)
• Authorized $6.47M capital projects with $3.34M bond issuance (6-1)
• Approved 4-year firefighter union contract retroactive to Jan 1, 2026 (6-1)

Elmira City Council

The Elmira City Council will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the 2026 Annual Action Plan for CDBG and HOME programs. Members will vote on a resolution urging Governor Hochul and state officials to declare a state of emergency over rising electric grid charges by Iberdrola, Avangrid, NYSEG, and RG&E, and to pursue public ownership of the grid. The council will also consider an agreement with Kennedy Valve, Co. to install two semi-actuated traffic signals on Judson Street, and act on audits for the Lead Hazard Reduction and Community Development Block Grant programs.

• Public hearing on the City of Elmira's 2026 Annual Action Plan for CDBG and HOME programs
• Resolution urging a state of emergency and return to public ownership of the electrical grid (NYSEG/RG&E)
• Agreement with Kennedy Valve, Co. for installation of two semi-actuated traffic signals on Judson Street
• Action on results of Elmira Housing Authority election, declaring Doreen Farr tenant representative through March 2028
• Audits: Lead Hazard Reduction Grant, Community Development Block Grant, and a general audit

The City Council authorized an agreement with Kennedy Valve, Co. for traffic signals on Judson Street and passed a resolution urging a state of emergency over electric grid charges. The council also approved several audits and certified a tenant representative election for the Elmira Housing Authority.

• Approved agreement with Kennedy Valve, Co. for two semi actuated traffic signals on Judson Street (7-0)
• Approved resolution urging Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency over electric grid charges (7-0)
• Declared Doreen Farr elected as Elmira Housing Authority tenant representative (7-0)
• Approved Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program Audit (7-0)
• Approved Community Development Block Grant Program Audit (7-0)
• Approved Audit (7-0)
• Approved minutes from March 9, 2026 meeting (7-0)

Elmira City Council

The Elmira City Council will vote on the 2026 city budget and tax levy, which totals $46,720,344 in appropriations and a tax levy of $17,762,561. The council will also schedule a public hearing for the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan for federal block grants, consider reappointments to the Public Arts Commission and Housing Authority, and approve a grant application for victim services. Other actions include a software service agreement and fire department overtime reports.

• Resolution to raise $17,762,561 by taxation for 2026 and adopt $46,720,344 budget
• Scheduling public hearing on 2026-2027 CDBG and HOME Annual Action Plan
• Reappointment of Lynne Rusinko to Public Arts Commission (term to 2029)
• New grant application to NYS Office of Victim Services for $336,354 over 2 years
• Supplemental service agreement with Tyler Technologies for cloud storage at $12,732.78

The Elmira City Council approved the 2026 city budget, a public hearing for Community Development Block Grant funds, and appointments to the Public Arts and Housing Authorities. The meeting also approved various grant applications, software agreements, and audit reports.

• Approved 2026 city budget ($46.7M) and tax levy ($17.8M) (4-1)
• Approved reappointment of Lynne Rusinko to Public Arts Commission (4-1)
• Approved appointments to Elmira Housing Authority (5-0)
• Approved scheduling public hearing for 2026-2027 Action Plan (5-0)
• Approved NYS Victim Services grant application ($336,354) (5-0)
• Approved supplemental software agreement with Tyler Technologies ($12,732.78) (5-0)
• Approved Fire Department overtime report ($75,109.86) (5-0)
• Approved audit reports for Lead Hazard Reduction and CDBG programs (5-0)

Elmira City Council

The City Council will consider several agreements and reappointments, including a $55,711.83 contract for additional police patrol services provided to the Elmira Housing Authority. Other items include a reappointment to the Historic Preservation Commission, an IT equipment contract, a drainage pipe repair supplement, and fire department overtime reports. Two public comment periods are scheduled.

• Reappointment of Carl Vallely to the Historic Preservation Commission through February 2029
• Agreement with Elmira Housing Authority for police patrol services at $55,711.83 (April 2026 – March 2027)
• One-year IT contract with LinStar for equipment and badge software at $1,380 retroactive to January 13, 2026
• Supplemental agreement #2 with Hunt Engineers for crushed drainage pipe replacement at $25,500 from Levee Penetration Capital Project
• Fire Department overtime report for pay periods 1 and 2 of 2026 totaling $48,021.83

The City Council approved several financial and personnel resolutions. Key actions included authorizing police patrol services for the Housing Authority and a supplemental agreement for drainage pipe replacement.

• Approved dispensing with minutes from February 12, 2026 Special Meeting (5-0)
• Reappointed Carl Vallely to the Historic Preservation Commission through February 28, 2029 (5-0)
• Authorized police patrol services agreement with Elmira Housing Authority for $55,711.83 (5-0)
• Approved one-year IT equipment and software contract with LinStar for $1,380.00 (5-0)
• Approved Supplemental Agreement #2 with Hunt Engineers, Architects and Surveyors for $25,500.00 (4-1)
• Reported Elmira Fire Department overtime of $48,021.83 for pay periods 1 and 2 of 2026 (5-0)
• Approved Lead Hazard Reduction Program Audit (5-0)
• Approved Community Development Block Grant Program Audit (5-0)

Elmira City Council

The City Council will vote on a resolution to raise $17,762,561.00 by taxation for 2026 city expenses, with a total budget of $46,720,344.00. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from the prior regular meeting and public comment periods.

• Resolution 2026-SM44 sets the 2026 tax levy at $17,762,561.00 and total city budget at $46,720,344.00
• Assessed levy of $21,688,002.50 to be raised for 2026 expenses as per attached appropriations detail
• Approval of minutes from the Regular Meeting of February 9, 2026 (Resolution 2026-SM43)
• Special meeting format with two public comment portions and a city manager report

The City Council approved the 2026 City Budget of $46,720,344.00. The resolution sets the amount to be raised by taxation at $17,762,561.00 and the sum to be assessed, levied, and raised at $21,688,002.50.

• Approved 2026 City Budget of $46,720,344.00 (5-2)
• Approved raising $17,762,561.00 by taxation for 2026 expenses (5-2)
• Approved resolution dispensing with minutes of February 9, 2026 meeting (5-2)

Elmira City Council

The Elmira City Council will vote on a resolution to censure Councilmember Nicholas Grasso for conduct detrimental to the city. Other actions include designating polling places for the Elmira Housing Authority election, authorizing a bus shelter at Thompson Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, and purchasing a generator for Fire Station #3 for $50,604.57. The council will also approve personnel actions, including appointing a Solid Waste Specialist at $20.01 per hour, and adopt amended rules and procedures.

• Resolution to censure Councilmember Nicholas Grasso and bar him from boards/committees and city-funded travel
• Purchase of a Generac generator for Fire Station #3 on Miller Street for $50,604.57 from Better Power, Inc.
• Authorization for a Command Access Vehicle body and upfit for the Fire Department Deputy Chief's vehicle at $87,372.00
• Designation of polling places for the Elmira Housing Authority election on March 3, 2026
• Bus shelter installation at Thompson Street and Pennsylvania Avenue by Chemung County Planning Department

The Elmira City Council approved a resolution censuring Councilmember Nicholas Grasso for conduct detrimental to the city and unbecoming of an elected official, with a 5-2 vote. The council also amended its rules and procedures (6-1), approved several personnel actions, and authorized purchases including a bus shelter, a generator for Fire Station #3, and a Command Access Vehicle for the Fire Department. All other resolutions passed unanimously.

• Approved censure of Councilmember Nicholas Grasso (5-2)
• Approved amendment to City Council Rules and Procedures (6-1)
• Approved appointment of Christopher E. Moore as Solid Waste Specialist I at $20.01/hour (7-0)
• Approved bus shelter at Thompson Street and Pennsylvania Avenue (7-0)
• Approved purchase of Generac SD Series Generator for Fire Station #3 for $50,604.57 (7-0)
• Approved manufacture and purchase of Command Access Vehicle body and upfit for $87,372 (7-0)
• Approved Anti Displacement Learning Network Grant Program Audit (7-0)
• Approved Lead Hazard Reduction and Community Development Block Grant program audits (7-0)

Elmira City Council

The Elmira City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed revised 2026 operating and capital budgets, then vote on resolutions to adopt them. Other business includes receiving a communication on the retirement of Police Officer Kendrick A. Gauthier, appointing Nicholas M. Delaney to the Planning Commission, and authorizing several contracts and payments. The council will also consider an amendment to the delinquent tax collection agreement with Chemung County.

• Public hearing and adoption of revised 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets
• Payment of $74,412 to the Fire Department Benefit Fund for 2025
• Overtime report for Elmira Fire Department totaling $57,640.42
• Contract with Two Brothers Printing for $2,415 for 2026 Council Minutes
• First Amendment to Intermunicipal Agreement for Delinquent Tax Collection with Chemung County

The Elmira City Council approved the revised 2026 Operating and Capital budgets, along with the 2026 American Rescue Plan and Community Development Enterprise Partners budgets. The council also appointed a new member to the Planning Commission and approved a contract for printing council minutes.

• Approved revised 2026 Operating Budget (5-2)
• Approved 2026 Capital Budget (5-2)
• Approved 2026 American Rescue Plan Budget (7-0)
• Approved 2026 Community Development Enterprise Partners Budget (7-0)
• Appointed Nicholas M. Delaney to Planning Commission (7-0)
• Approved contract with Two Brothers Printing for $2,415 (7-0)
• Approved Granicus software subscription for $8,485.42 (7-0)
• Approved First Amendment to delinquent tax collection agreement (7-0)

Elmira City Council

The City Council will consider a request for $500,000 from the Elmira Water Board's 2025 profits. The meeting also includes scheduling a public hearing for the 2026 operating and capital budgets.

• Request for $500,000.00 from Elmira Water Board 2025 profits
• Public hearing for 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets on January 26, 2026
• Appointment of Kyle H. Thomas as Firefighter at $55,055.00 annual salary
• Appointment of Amanda M. Murphy as Firefighter at $55,055.00 annual salary
• Lease of 400 sq. ft. in City Hall to Congressman Nick Langworthy for $450.00 monthly

The City Council approved a request for $500,000 from the Elmira Water Board's 2025 profits or surplus. The council also scheduled a public hearing for the 2026 budgets and approved several personnel actions and audits.

• Approved request for $500,000 from Elmira Water Board 2025 profits or surplus (6-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets for Jan 26, 2026 (6-0)
• Appointed Kyle H. Thomas and Amanda M. Murphy as Firefighters at $55,055.00 annually (6-0)
• Approved Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program Audit (6-0)
• Approved Community Development Block Grant Program Audit (6-0)
• Approved general Audit (6-0)
• Authorized agreements with banks to act as official depositories for 2026 (6-0)
• Withdrew lease agreement for City Hall space with Congressman Nick Langworthy