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Elmira, New York

Elmira public meetings in 2023

27 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 19, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to vote on tax levy override, credit cards for officials, and 2024 agreements

The Elmira City Council will decide on a local law to override the state tax levy limit, authorize credit cards for top officials with $5,000 limits, and approve multiple 2024 inter-municipal agreements. Items include accepting a $24,000 donation for the animal shelter and renewing the Flock Safety camera system at $2,500 per camera per year through 2028.

taxbudgetpoliceanimal-sheltertechnologyintergovernmentalpublic-safety
✓ Decided: Council denies tax levy override but approves animal control and audit agreements

The Elmira City Council approved several agreements for 2024, including animal control services for neighboring towns and audits for grant programs. The council denied a resolution to override the tax levy limit, which requires a 60% vote.

Tue Dec 5, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to vote on rezoning 4.4-acre parcel from Planned Residential to One-Family

The Elmira City Council will consider a rezoning of a 4.4-acre city-owned parcel from Residence P (Planned Residential) to Residence A (One-Family). Other items include a resolution supporting a lead prevention pilot program, a software purchase for dog licenses, a collective bargaining agreement modification with CSEA, and an intermunicipal agreement for animal control services with the Town of Southport. Several audits and overtime reports are also on the agenda.

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✓ Decided: City Council approves rezoning of 4.4-acre parcel and animal control agreement

The City Council approved rezoning a 4.4-acre parcel to a one-family residence district and authorized an animal control agreement with the Town of Southport. The council also approved several grant audits, fire department overtime payments, and a new online dog license software system.

Tue Nov 21, 2023

Elmira City Council

Elmira City Council considers service agreements and personnel actions

The Council will review several intermunicipal agreements regarding police, animal control, and hazardous materials services. The meeting also includes discussions on local laws, grant program audits, and various personnel appointments.

policepublic-safetypersonnelintermunicipal-agreementsgrantszoning
✓ Decided: Council adopted Local Law #1 of 2023 compensating Cemetery Commissioners (5-0)

The council adopted Local Law #1 of 2023, amending the City Charter to compensate Cemetery Commissioners (5-0, Duffy abstaining). It approved several inter-municipal agreements, including a $154,500 police services contract with Dewittsburgh (5-0, Moss abstaining), a $35,000 hazardous materials response deal with Chemung County, and a $1,000/year parking license for CASA-Trinity. The council also approved appointments to the Board of Assessment Review and Public Arts Commission (the latter 5-1, Grasso voting no) and authorized animal control services for three towns. A public hearing was held on proposed Local Law #2 of 2023 but no action was recorded.

Wed Nov 15, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to discuss tax levy override, approve $105K sewer contract, and housing PILOT

The Elmira City Council will meet on November 6, 2023, to consider several items including a first reading of a proposed local law to override the state tax levy limit, a public hearing on cemetery commissioner compensation, and resolutions to approve contracts and agreements. Key actions include a $104,966 sewer inspection contract with Precision Trenchless, LLC, a PILOT for a 58-unit housing development at 182 Washington Avenue, and a four-year fire protection agreement with West Hill Fire District for $27,013 annually.

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✓ Decided: Council votes 4-2 to advance tax levy override, approves sewer contract

The council approved the first reading of Local Law #2 of 2023 to override the state tax levy limit (4-2) and scheduled a public hearing for November 20. They also approved a $104,966 contract for sewer inspection and repairs, closed a portion of Howard Street, and authorized a PILOT for a 58-unit housing development at 182 Washington Avenue (4-2). Other actions included a fire protection agreement with West Hill Fire District #3, a license for a golf course apartment, and a stipend for the Domestic Violence Coordinator.

Tue Oct 24, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to approve $208,686 police overtime and hold rezoning hearing

The Elmira City Council will hold public hearings on closing a portion of Howard Street and rezoning 4.4 acres from Residence P to Residence A. The council will vote on approving $208,686.25 in police overtime for 2023 and adopting a revised Purchasing Policy. A resolution schedules a November 6 public hearing on amending Section 214 of the City Charter. Several grant program audits are also on the agenda.

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✓ Decided: Council approves police overtime and several program audits

The City Council approved $208,686.25 in overtime for the Elmira Police Department. Members also approved a revised purchasing policy and multiple program audits.

Wed Oct 11, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to consider rezoning 910 Maple Avenue

The Elmira City Council will vote on multiple resolutions including setting trick-or-treat hours, rezoning a lot at 910 Maple Avenue, closing a portion of Howard Street, and purchasing 3,265 refuse containers for $172,882.50. The council will also consider appointments, grant acceptances, agreements with the Elmira Housing Authority, and audits.

zoningbudgetpolicehousingpublic-safetycontractsgrants
✓ Decided: Approved $172,882.50 for 3,265 refuse/recycling containers

Council unanimously approved the purchase of 3,265 plastic refuse and recycling containers from Toter, LLC for $172,882.50 using a cooperative contract. Also approved: trick-or-treat hours (5:30-8pm Oct 31), scheduling public hearings on rezoning 910 Maple Ave and closing a portion of Howard Street, rejecting bids for Mark Twain Golf Course irrigation, appointing a stormwater officer, and accepting police grants for traffic safety and Livescan equipment. A first reading was approved to pay cemetery commissioners $75 per meeting attended.

Tue Sep 26, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to vote on $60,996 animal control agreement with Horseheads

The Elmira City Council will consider several resolutions including a $60,996 intermunicipal animal control agreement with the Town of Horseheads, a $25,000 sculpture commission for Mark Twain Riverfront Park, and the purchase of a 2023 Dodge Charger for the Police Department. The Council will also act on establishing a $100,000 Community Development General Fund and approving the sale of impounded vehicles. Multiple audits and a donation to the Fire Department are on the agenda as well.

policepublic-safetycommunity-developmentanimal-controlartsbudgetcontracts
✓ Decided: Council approved $25K sculpture for Mark Twain Riverfront Park (5-2)

The Elmira City Council approved multiple resolutions, including a $25,000 sculpture for Mark Twain Riverfront Park (5-2) and a $60,996 annual animal control agreement with Horseheads (7-0). A new police car purchase passed 4-2-1. Several grants and audits were also approved.

Tue Sep 12, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to vote on withdrawing police flag endorsement

The Elmira City Council is considering a resolution to withdraw endorsement of the Elmira Police Department flag from 2022. They will also act on a $105,000 paving project on College Avenue, approve a $25,000 sculpture for Mark Twain Riverfront Park, and grant a license to NYSEG for a gas regulator in Pulaski Park. Several grant programs and audits are on the agenda, including Community Development Block Grant and American Rescue Plan audits.

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✓ Decided: Council approves road paving, grants, and audits; fails to approve public art sculpture

The Elmira City Council approved multiple resolutions including a $105,000 road paving project, community development grants, and various audits. The council failed to approve a $25,000 public art sculpture commission for Mark Twain Riverfront Park.

Tue Aug 29, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to vote on DRI application, zoning change, and surplus land sale

The City Council will hold a public hearing on the 2022-2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) and vote on several resolutions. Key items include authorizing a Downtown Revitalization Initiative application (Southside Rising), a negative declaration under SEQR for a zoning amendment at 910 Maple Avenue, and conveying two vacant city-owned properties at 717 and 725 Dickinson Street to Elmira Downtown Development Inc. for $1. The council will also approve a five-year janitorial contract with NYS Unified Court System worth $61,671 in the first year.

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✓ Decided: Council approves Southside Rising application and property sales

The City Council approved the Southside Rising application for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the sale of two city-owned properties to Elmira Downtown Development, Inc. Council also authorized a janitorial services contract with the NYS Unified Court System and approved several program audits.

Tue Aug 15, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to vote on $3.5 million City Hall clock tower restoration contract

The Elmira City Council will consider awarding a $3.5 million contract to Lupini Construction for the City Hall Clock Tower Restoration project. Other items include a rezoning proposal for a parcel on Case Map No. 4014 from Planned Residential to One-Family, leasing three police vehicles, and appointing a new police officer. The council will also schedule a public hearing on the 2022-2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report and approve several program audits.

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✓ Decided: Elmira Council approves police vehicles, clock tower restoration

The Elmira City Council approved the appointment of a new police officer, authorized the purchase of three police vehicles, and awarded a $3.5 million contract for the City Hall Clock Tower Restoration. The council also approved scheduling a public hearing on the 2022-2023 performance report and referred a zoning proposal to planning commissions.

Wed Aug 2, 2023

Elmira City Council

Elmira Council to vote on Howard Street closure, fire overtime, and audits

The Elmira City Council is set to vote on a referral to close part of Howard Street, approve $48,837.01 in fire department overtime, and correct an impounded vehicle auction list. The meeting also covers audits for three city grant programs and routine administrative approvals.

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✓ Decided: Council approves $13,580 contract for fire dept physical exams (4-0)

The Elmira City Council met on July 31, 2023, and unanimously approved all nine resolutions on the agenda, with three council members absent. Key actions included retaining Occustar for fire department physical exams at a cost not to exceed $13,580, referring the partial closure of Howard Street to the Planning Commission, and accepting several grant program audits. All votes were 4-0.

Tue Jul 18, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to endorse downtown stabilization grant and approve vehicle purchases

The Elmira City Council will vote on several resolutions, including endorsing a grant application for a Downtown Stabilization Grant at 201 Baldwin Street, authorizing the purchase of two Ford trucks totaling $158,529.93, selling surplus city property adjacent to 467 W. Water Street, and accepting a $15,667.05 donation for Brand Park benches. The council will also act on personnel changes, a lead hazard reduction program audit, and renewal of an Employee Assistance Program contract.

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✓ Decided: Approved sale of surplus city property at 467 W. Water St (6-0)

The council approved 14 resolutions, including personnel actions, grant applications, vehicle purchases, and a property sale. Two items passed 6-1: an amendment to CDBG/HOME programs and the purchase of two Ford F-550 trucks. A surplus parcel adjacent to 467 W. Water Street was sold to Cerio Properties, LLC with one abstention.

Wed Jul 5, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to vote on $28,866 stormwater agreement with county

The Elmira City Council will consider an intermunicipal agreement for stormwater management with Chemung County costing $28,866 annually through 2028, and a $14,485 contract for website redesign. They will also vote on personnel actions including new firefighter hires and a police clerk resignation, resolutions to auction abandoned vehicles, and audits of several grant programs.

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✓ Decided: Council approves personnel actions and service agreements

The Elmira City Council approved personnel actions, including a resignation and new appointments, and authorized agreements for webpage redesign, stormwater management, and vehicle sales. The council also approved several grant program audits.

Thu Jun 29, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to approve $774,009 fire truck purchase via Sourcewell contract

The Elmira City Council will consider three resolutions. The first approves the minutes from the June 20 regular meeting. The second authorizes the mayor to use a Sourcewell Cooperative Contract to purchase a Pierce Pumper Truck from Churchville Fire Equipment Corp. for $774,009, pending corporation counsel approval. The third resolves to adjourn the meeting.

budgetpublic-safetyprocurementcity-councilfire-equipment
✓ Decided: Approved $774K fire truck purchase (6-0)

The council unanimously approved a resolution to purchase a Pierce Pumper Truck using a Sourcewell cooperative contract for $774,009.00 from Churchville Fire Equipment Corp. The mayor was authorized to execute the purchase agreement, subject to Corporation Counsel approval. The council also approved minutes from the prior meeting and adjourned.

Wed Jun 21, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to vote on GIVE gun violence initiative

The Elmira City Council will consider several resolutions and ordinances, including an intermunicipal agreement for the GIVE gun violence reduction program and a $306,800 purchase of firefighting breathing apparatus. Other items include approval of police tasers for $133,798.50, sale of surplus city property at 467 W. Water Street, and a series of grant program audits. The meeting also includes acceptance of the Water Board election results and budget adjustments.

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✓ Decided: City Council approves $440K in emergency equipment for fire and police

The City Council approved several high-cost equipment purchases for public safety and authorized a new Water Commissioner. The board also approved multiple grant audits and a budget adjustment for the 2022 General Fund.

Tue Jun 6, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to vote on $99,342 police body camera purchase and storage upgrade

The Elmira City Council is considering resolutions to purchase five body cameras and upgrade storage for all police body cameras at a combined cost of $99,342.40, and to approve a multi-year electricity supply contract with Constellation NewEnergy. Other items include conveying a portion of an abandoned alley to two individuals for $50 each, granting a parking license for a food mart, and accepting several grant audits. Public comment periods and approval of previous meeting minutes are also on the agenda.

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✓ Decided: Council approves police body cameras and electricity contract

The Elmira City Council approved the purchase of five new body cameras and an upgrade to video storage for the police department. The council also approved a new electricity contract with Constellation NewEnergy and authorized the conveyance of two small portions of an abandoned alley.

Tue May 23, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to settle lawsuit with Whitford for $9,833.25

The Elmira City Council will act on a resolution to settle a legal action with The L.C. Whitford Co. for $9,833.25. They will also consider personnel actions including the appointment of a Police Lieutenant at $97,719.15 and multiple intermunicipal agreements for code enforcement and animal control services. Several grant program audits are on the agenda.

city-councillawsuitspersonnelpoliceintermunicipal-agreementsanimal-controlcode-enforcementsettlement
✓ Decided: City Council approves several intermunicipal service agreements

The City Council approved agreements to provide code enforcement and animal control services to neighboring municipalities. The council also authorized a legal settlement, personnel changes in the police department, and the purchase of DPW equipment.

Tue May 9, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to authorize sale of city-owned parcel to Cerio Properties

The Elmira City Council will vote on several resolutions, including the sale of a surplus 15'x134' parcel adjacent to 467 West Water Street to Cerio Properties, LLC, and the submission of the city's 2023-2024 CDBG and HOME Annual Action Plan to HUD. The council will also approve personnel actions, a carousel license extension, and overtime reports for police and fire departments.

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✓ Decided: Council approved 2023-2024 CDBG and HOME Action Plan for HUD

The Elmira City Council unanimously approved 15 resolutions, including personnel actions, a planning board reappointment, the city's annual CDBG and HOME grant plan, a street naming clarification, an extension for the Eldridge Park Carousel license, police and fire overtime payments, and several audits. A resolution to sell surplus property to Cerio Properties was withdrawn from the agenda. All votes were 6-0 with one councilmember absent.

Tue Apr 25, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to vote on $87K engineering pact for Riverfront Park redesign

Council will act on a $87,000 supplemental agreement with Erdman Anthony for engineering services to redevelop a portion of Riverfront Park. Also up for votes: a $28,861.67 janitorial contract for three parks, a $25,789.39 back-wage settlement for a police officer, a $1,800 fire-protection inspection contract, and multiple grant-program audits. A resolution designating a polling place and election inspectors for the June 6 Water Commissioner election is also on the agenda.

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✓ Decided: City Council approves park, audit, and payroll agreements

The Elmira City Council approved multiple agreements including a $87,000 engineering contract for Riverfront Park, a $25,789 back-pay settlement for a police officer, and annual audit approvals for various grant programs. All items passed with a 5-0 vote.

Tue Apr 11, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to vote on $58,874.70 additional payment for parking garage repairs

The Elmira City Council will consider several resolutions, including an additional $58,874.70 payment for the Centertown Parking Garage (total project now $1,348,874.70), an intermunicipal agreement for a North-South Bicycle Corridor, and a four-month code enforcement services agreement with the Town of Erin for $2,400. They will also vote on a sole-source traffic controller unit and accept fire department overtime of $19,052.28. Multiple grant program audits are also on the agenda.

parking-garagebudgetcontractsbicyclestrafficcode-enforcementfire-departmentaudits
✓ Decided: City Council approved intermunicipal agreement for North-South Bicycle Corridor project (5-0).

The Elmira City Council voted 5-0 on all 14 resolutions, with two members absent. Key approvals included an intermunicipal agreement with Chemung County for a federally-aided North-South Bicycle Corridor, an additional $58,874.70 for the Centertown Parking Garage, and a four-month code enforcement agreement with the Town of Erin. The council also accepted audits for lead hazard reduction and anti-displacement grant programs, and approved 2023 golf course rates.

Tue Mar 28, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to vote on $4.7M capital bond for city improvements

The Elmira City Council will hold a public hearing on the 2023 Annual Action Plan for CDBG and HOME programs, then vote on a $4.7 million capital bond ordinance and several resolutions including personnel appointments, property sale, grants, and intermunicipal agreements.

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✓ Decided: City Council authorizes $4.7M for capital items and $3.4M in bonds

The City Council approved a capital items ordinance and the issuance of bonds. They also authorized several grant applications, personnel appointments, and the sale of a city-owned property. Intermunicipal agreements for animal control services were established with the Town of Baldwin and Town of Erin.

Tue Mar 14, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to act on applying for federal grant to hire four firefighters

The Elmira City Council will decide whether to apply for a federal SAFER grant to hire four firefighters, purchase a new scoreboard for Dunn Field using ARP funds, and approve police overtime payments. A public hearing will be scheduled for the 2023 Annual Action Plan for community development block grants. Several other contracts, reappointments, and audits are also on the agenda.

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✓ Decided: Elmira Council approves 4 firefighter hires, Dunn Field scoreboard, and NYSID contract

The Elmira City Council approved a resolution to hire four firefighters using federal SAFER grant funds, authorized the purchase of a $132,923 scoreboard for Dunn Field, and approved a one-year extension for a contract with NYSID. The council also approved overtime payments for the Elmira Police Department and various grant audits.

Tue Feb 28, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council approves $15.7 M tax levy for 2023 city budget

The Elmira City Council will act on several resolutions, including a tax levy that raises $15,688,721 to fund the 2023 city budget of $35,791,274. The Council will also appoint Kristen Thorne as Police Chief with an annual salary of $131,256 and approve a $70,344 street‑lighting contract with Booth Electric Supply. Additional items include contracts for golf‑course groundskeeping and a $34,000 engineering services agreement for Dunn Field Stadium.

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✓ Decided: Council approves 2023 budget and appoints new police chief

The Elmira City Council approved the 2023 city budget and appointed Kristen Thorne as Police Chief. The body also approved street lighting and golf course contracts, and authorized the submission of a HOME ARP housing plan.

Tue Feb 14, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to vote on $735,486 asphalt contract, lease, and appointments

The council will vote on a resolution awarding a $735,486.50 contract to Dalrymple Gravel & Contracting for 2023 City Hot Mix Asphalt Pavement Projects. Other actions include rejecting a bid for the Mark Twain Golf Course irrigation project, authorizing a lease of a city-owned parcel at 100 E. LaFrance Street for $700/month, and appointing members to the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission. Several grant program audits and fire department overtime reports are also on the agenda.

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✓ Decided: City approves asphalt contract, personnel actions, and audits

The Elmira City Council approved a $735,486.50 asphalt contract, appointed Joshua Woodard to a public works position, and approved various personnel appointments and audits. All items passed with a 6-0 vote.

Tue Jan 31, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to fill vacancy, appoint interim police chief

The City Council will hold a public hearing on the draft HOME ARP plan, consider appointing Corey Cooke to fill a council vacancy, and vote on appointing Kristen Thorne as interim police chief. Numerous other personnel actions include police and fire promotions, retirements, and a resolution to close and convey Brownlow Place alley. The council will also consider a grant application for firefighter equipment and several service agreements and audits.

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✓ Decided: Appointed Corey Cooke to fill vacant council seat for Second District

The council filled a vacancy by appointing Corey Cooke to the Second District council seat until January 2024. It also approved numerous personnel actions including appointing an interim police chief, hiring officers, and promoting fire department staff. Other actions included closing an alley, applying for a firefighter grant, retaining a utility emergency service, and approving several audits. All votes were 6-0 except for the utility contract which passed 5-1.

Wed Jan 18, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council to vote on 2023 operating and capital budgets

The Elmira City Council will vote on adopting the 2023 operating and capital budgets, consider personnel actions including the appointment of an interim police chief, and authorize several grants, contracts, and payments. Items include a Restore NY grant application, a payment to the fire department benefit fund, and extension of a bridge rehabilitation contract.

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✓ Decided: Council approved 2023 operating budget (5-1) and $50K Water Board transfer

The Elmira City Council approved the 2023 Operating Budget (5-1) and Capital Budget (6-0), authorized a $50,000 transfer from the Water Board to the city (5-1), and tabled a personnel resolution that would have removed Anthony R. Alvernaz and appointed an interim police chief. Other actions included appointments to the Cemetery Commission and Zoning Board, a Restore NY grant application, and several grant program audits.

Thu Jan 5, 2023

Elmira City Council

Council holds public hearing on 2023 budgets, considers bank agreements, contracts, audits

The Elmira City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2023 Operating and Capital Budgets. The council will also consider resolutions to authorize bank depositories for 2023, extend a printing contract with Two Brothers Printing for one year, and act on several grant program audits, including the Anti Displacement Learning Network, Lead Hazard Reduction, Community Development Block Grant, and American Rescue Plan Small Tourism audits. Note: the council seat for the 2nd Council District is currently vacant.

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✓ Decided: Council approves bank depositories, contract extension, and multiple audits

The Elmira City Council unanimously approved several routine items, including agreements with banks to serve as official depositories for city funds in 2023, a one-year extension of the contract with Two Brothers Printing for printing City Council minutes, and audits for the Anti Displacement Learning Network, Lead Hazard Reduction, Community Development Block Grant, American Rescue Plan Small Tourism, and an unspecified audit. All votes were 6-0. A public hearing was also held on the proposed 2023 operating and capital budgets.