Oswego, NY

Common Council

The Oswego Common Council meets September 28, 2026, with public hearings at 6:55–7:10 PM on a zone change at 31 West Cayuga Street and three proposed local laws covering electric bicycles and scooters, off-road vehicles, and taxation. The regular session includes resolutions on public-space uses, bids for millwright services at the High Dam Hydroelectric Facility, a $5,000 donation from Brookfield Renewable Energy, and a $200,000 budget amendment for fuel. The council will also consider waiving its rules to take up a noise-ordinance waiver for Super Dirt Week from the floor.

• Zone change at 31 West Cayuga Street from TN1 Traditional Neighborhood 1 to TD Traditional Downtown, petitioned by Daniel Pfiffner
• Local Law No. 2 of 2026 establishing Chapter 107, Electric Bicycle and Electric Scooter Regulation
• Local Law No. 3 of 2026 establishing Chapter 171, Off-Road Vehicles
• Local Law No. 4 of 2026 amending Chapter 224, Taxation
• $200,000 budget amendment to the Garage Materials and Supplies Account for fuel

Physical Services Committee

The Physical Services Committee will consider seven requests for use of public space, including walkway and parking installations, underground broadband boring on East Avenue and Bunner Street, a mobile mammography unit in Breitbeck Park, and signage for a hospice event. The committee will also approve minutes from its September 8 meeting. All items are authorizations for specific uses; no other business is listed.

• Walkway installation at 166 West Sixth Street (40"x35')
• Parking area creation at 123 West Seneca Street
• Broadband boring on East Avenue and Bunner Street (Oswego County)
• Mobile Mammography Unit in Breitbeck Park on Nov 3, 2026
• Signage for Hotcakes for Hospice event on Oct 18, 2026

Planning and Development Committee

Administrative Services Committee

The Administrative Services Committee will consider four authorization requests: accepting a $5,000 donation from Brookfield Renewable for fire life-saving equipment, a $200,000 budget amendment for city vehicle fuel, sending surplus items to public auction, and accepting bids for Millwright Services at the High Dam Hydroelectric Facility. The committee will also approve minutes from the September 8, 2026 meeting.

• $5,000 donation from Brookfield Renewable for fire life-saving equipment
• $200,000 budget amendment to Garage Materials and Supplies Account for City Vehicle Fuel
• Authorization to send various items and equipment to public auction
• Consideration of bids for Millwright Services at High Dam Hydroelectric Facility

Human Services Committee

Common Council

The Oswego Common Council will vote on resolutions including authorizing public hearings for a zoning change at 31 West Cayuga Street, new local laws on electric bicycles/scooters and off-road vehicles, and a tax law amendment. It will also consider contracts, a fee schedule, and appointments.

• Authorize public hearing for zone change at 31 West Cayuga Street from TN1 to TD
• Authorize public hearings for local laws on e-bikes/scooters (Ch. 107) and off-road vehicles (Ch. 171)
• Approve new fee schedule for special event services
• Authorize $90,000 contract with GHD Consulting for water/sewer rate study
• Authorize $13,200 change order with J&A Mechanical for wastewater plant blower improvements

Physical Services Committee

The Physical Services Committee will review several requests for the use of public spaces and property. Items include requests for headstone cleaning at Veterans Park and hosting community events.

• Request to clean headstones for Veterans at Veterans Park
• Request for Buc Booster Spirit Parade on October 9, 2026
• Rescind and Replace request for Drumfest 4 on August 22, 2026
• Request to install a pollinator garden at 22 West Third Street

The Physical Services Committee unanimously approved four requests: cleaning veterans' headstones at Veterans Park, hosting the Buc Booster Spirit Parade, hosting Drumfest 4 (with a date correction), and maintaining a pollinator garden at 22 West Third Street. All resolutions will be forwarded to the full council for final approval.

• Approved request to clean veterans' headstones at Veterans Park (unanimous)
• Approved Buc Booster Spirit Parade on Oct 9, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved Drumfest 4, with date to be corrected (unanimous)
• Approved pollinator garden at 22 West Third St with conditions (unanimous)

General

The Administrative Services Committee will consider several authorizations, including a water and sewer rate study and a budget amendment for a speed sensor sign. The committee will also discuss a new fee schedule for special event services and a hazard mitigation plan update.

• $13,200.00 change order for Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant Blower Improvements
• Professional services contract for water and sewer rate study up to $90,000.00
• $5,098.31 budget amendment for a Speed Sensor Sign
• Deed conveyance for 14 Murray Street to Azalia Avery
• New fee schedule for special event services

The Administrative Services Committee forwarded a resolution to the full council to award GHD Consulting Engineers a contract not to exceed $90,000 for a water and sewer rate study. It also forwarded recommendations on a wastewater change order, code enforcement RFP, property deed correction, special event fees, hazard mitigation plan update, and a Lake Ontario memorializing resolution. A request for a speed sensor sign was tabled pending Traffic Advisory Committee review.

• Forwarded GHD water/sewer rate study contract (up to $90,000) to full council (unanimous)
• Forwarded $13,200 change order for Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant to full council (unanimous)
• Forwarded code enforcement RFP authorization to full council (unanimous)
• Forwarded deed conveyance for 14 Murray Street to Azalia Avery to full council (unanimous)
• Tabled speed sensor sign budget amendment pending Traffic Advisory Committee review (unanimous)
• Forwarded special event services fee schedule to full council (unanimous)
• Forwarded 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update adoption to full council (unanimous)
• Forwarded Lake Ontario memorializing resolution to full council (unanimous)

Human Services Committee

Planning and Development Committee

The Planning and Development Committee will discuss proposed local laws regarding e-bikes, e-scooters, and off-road vehicles. The meeting also includes discussions on senior citizen and veteran tax exemptions and a requested zoning change for 37 West Cayuga Street.

• Public hearing request for zone change at 37 West Cayuga Street
• Discussion on increasing income limits for the Senior Citizens Exemption
• Discussion on Alternative Veterans Exemption amendments
• Introduction of new Local Law Chapter 107 for E-Bikes and E-Scooters
• Proposed local law prohibiting off-road vehicles on city streets and parks

The Planning and Development Committee voted unanimously to forward five items to the full Common Council with favorable recommendations: a public hearing on a zone change at 37 West Cayuga Street, a senior citizens exemption income limit increase, changes to the Alternative Veterans Exemption, a new local law regulating e-bikes and e-scooters (Chapter 107), and a local law banning off-road vehicles on city streets and parks (Chapter 171). The committee also discussed, but did not vote on, a proposal to add a 15-minute public comment session at committee meeting nights. No final adoption decisions were made; the items now go to the full Council.

• Forwarded favorable recommendation to full Council for a public hearing on rezoning 37 West Cayuga Street from TN1 to TD (unanimous)
• Forwarded favorable recommendation to full Council on increasing the Senior Citizens Exemption income limit (unanimous)
• Forwarded favorable recommendation to full Council on Alternative Veterans Exemption changes under NYS law (unanimous)
• Forwarded favorable recommendation to full Council on a new local law regulating e-bikes and e-scooters, Chapter 107 (unanimous)
• Forwarded favorable recommendation to full Council on a local law prohibiting off-road vehicles on city streets and parks, Chapter 171 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the August 3, 2026 meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed but did not vote on adding a 15-minute public comment session before committee meetings
• Adjourned at 7:33 p.m. (unanimous)

Common Council

The Oswego Common Council will consider a series of resolutions, including approving the amended 2027 city operating budget and tax warrant, adopting a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan, and accepting a $1,500 grant for a community risk reduction initiative. The agenda also includes several public space use approvals for events and signage, as well as routine items like minutes and appointments.

• Approve amended 2027 city operating budget and tax warrant
• Adopt Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for Oswego County
• Accept $1,500 grant from Richard S. Shineman Foundation for Safe Oswego Community Risk Reduction Initiative
• Authorize $40,500 in fund transfers for High Dam Hydroelectric Facility costs
• Approve $60,000 budget amendment for financial consulting services

Administrative Services Committee

The Administrative Services Committee is meeting to approve minutes and consider several financial authorizations, including fund transfers for the High Dam Hydroelectric Facility, a budget amendment for financial consulting, and acceptance of a grant. The committee will also discuss sewer and water rates. These are items being recommended for Common Council approval.

• Transfer of Funds totaling $40,500 for High Dam Hydroelectric Facility costs
• Budget Amendment of $60,000 for City Chamberlain Contracted Services
• Acceptance of 2026 Oswego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
• Acceptance of $1,500 Shineman Foundation grant for Safe Oswego Community Risk Reduction Initiative
• Discussion on sewer and water rates

Human Services Committee

Physical Services Committee

The Physical Services Committee will review requests for use of public space, including several events and sign placements, and consider a bench donation. They will also approve minutes from the previous meeting. Most items are routine permits and donations.

• Request to clean headstones for Veterans at Veterans Park
• Donation of a bench for the west side of Cahill Pier
• East Mohawk Street Block Party on September 13, 2026
• Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony by Oswego Rotary Club on September 26, 2026
• Sign placements for Paws Across Oswego County Rescue, Porchfest, and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Planning and Development Committee

Common Council

The Common Council will hold a public hearing on Local Law No. 2 of 2026, which authorizes a property tax levy exceeding the state limit. Resolutions include accepting a $500,000 state grant for animal shelter expansion, referring a zoning change request for 37 West Cayuga Street to the Planning Board, and extending the renewable energy system moratorium. Other items cover budget amendments, public space permits for events, and a downtown mural grant.

• Public hearing on Local Law No. 2 of 2026 for property tax levy override
• Resolution 253: Refer petition for zone change at 37 West Cayuga Street from TN1 to TD
• Resolution 259: Accept $500,000 grant from NYS Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund for shelter expansion
• Resolution 255: Extend renewable energy system moratorium
• Resolution 257: Budget amendment of $46,000 for high dam operational costs

The Common Council tabled Resolution 254, which would authorize exceeding the state property tax cap, by a 4-3 vote, delaying the decision until August 24. The proposed FY2027 budget of $82,966,236 includes a 2.97% tax levy increase, and the council will review it at a public workshop on August 19. All other resolutions were approved unanimously, including a $500,000 grant for animal shelter expansion and a $46,000 budget amendment for High Dam costs.

• Tabled Resolution 254 (tax cap override) (4-3)
• Approved minutes of July 27, 2026 (7-0)
• Approved appointment of Commissioner of Deeds (7-0)
• Approved use of public space for National Grid utility pole (7-0)
• Approved use of public space for Community Health Outreach Fair (7-0)
• Approved use of public space for block party and Glow and Flow event (7-0)
• Approved referral of zoning petition for 37 West Cayuga Street to Planning Board (7-0)
• Approved $500,000 grant for animal shelter expansion (7-0)

Administrative Services Committee

The Administrative Services Committee is meeting to review two funding requests from the Engineering Office. These include a supplemental contract for professional services and a budget amendment for utility charges.

• Authorization for Mayor to sign Supplemental Request No. 2 with JMT of New York, Inc. for $30,278.60 regarding the Riverwalk West- Bridge Street to West Utica Street Project
• Authorization for City Chamberlain to complete a $46,000.00 budget amendment to the High Dam Utilities Account for a new PSC monthly customer charge

The Administrative Services Committee unanimously recommended approval of a $30,278.60 supplemental payment to JMT of New York, Inc. for additional professional services on the Riverwalk West project, bringing the total contract to about $435,578. The committee also unanimously recommended a $46,000 budget amendment to cover increased PSC charges for the High Dam. A proposal to add a 15-minute public comment session to committee meetings was tabled for future discussion.

• Approved supplemental request No. 2 for JMT of New York, Inc. ($30,278.60) for Riverwalk West project (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendment of $46,000 to High Dam Utilities Account for PSC monthly charge (unanimous)
• Tabled proposal for 15-minute public comment session at committee meetings for future agenda

Physical Services Committee

The Physical Services Committee is discussing several requests to use public property for community events and utility work. The body will also consider a request regarding a couch donation to Oswego Harbor Festivals, Inc.

• Request from Oswego County OASAS for Community Health Outreach Fair on August 26, 2026
• Request from National Grid to install a utility pole at 249 West Fifth Street
• Request from Susan McBrearty for a West 5th Street Block Party on August 15, 2026
• Request from Christine Wills for a Glow and Flow event on August 15, 2026
• Discussion on a couch donation to Oswego Harbor Festivals, Inc.

The Physical Services Committee unanimously approved five requests for use of public space, including a health fair, a utility pole installation, a block party, a kayak/paddleboard event, and a wedding ceremony. All approvals will be forwarded to the full council for final action. The committee also discussed but did not decide on donating a couch to Harborfest, instead tabling the matter pending legal guidance.

• Approved Community Health Outreach Fair at Breitbeck Park (unanimous)
• Approved National Grid utility pole at 249 West Fifth Street (unanimous)
• Approved West 5th Street Block Party with street closure and noise waiver (unanimous)
• Approved Glow and Flow event with August 22 rain date (unanimous)
• Approved wedding ceremony at Breitbeck Park (unanimous)
• Tabled couch donation to Harborfest pending valuation and legal review

Planning and Development Committee

The Planning and Development Committee will review a request to change the zoning of 37 West Cayuga Street. The body will also discuss extending a moratorium on renewable energy systems.

• Proposed zone change for 37 West Cayuga Street from TN1 (Traditional Neighborhood 1) to TD (Traditional Downtown)
• Renewable Energy System Moratorium Extension

The Planning and Development Committee unanimously approved forwarding a favorable recommendation to the Full Council for a proposed zone change at 37 West Cayuga Street from TN1 to TD, and also unanimously approved forwarding a request to extend the renewable energy system moratorium by six months. Both items will be considered by the Full Council.

• Forwarded favorable recommendation for zone change at 37 West Cayuga St. from TN1 to TD (unanimous)
• Forwarded request to extend renewable energy moratorium by six months (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 20, 2026 meeting (unanimous)

Human Services Committee

Common Council

The Common Council will meet to discuss local governance and resolutions. A key item is the authorization of a public hearing regarding a proposed local law to allow a property tax levy exceeding the limit set in General Municipal Law §3-c.

• Proposed Local Law No. *2 of 2026 regarding property tax levy limits
• Authorization for the placement of ten 988 signs in public spaces
• Approval of July 13, 2026 meeting minutes

Planning and Development Committee

The Planning and Development Committee is meeting to review committee minutes and a request from Mayor Robert A. Corradino. The body will consider authorizing a public hearing for a proposed local law regarding property tax levies.

• Proposed Local law No. *2 of the year 2026: Authorizing a Property Tax Levy In Excess of the Limit Established in General Municipal Law §3-c

The Planning and Development Committee unanimously recommended that the Full Council hold a public hearing regarding Proposed Local Law No. 2 of 2026. This law would authorize a property tax levy in excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c.

• Approved minutes of April 6, 2026, meeting (unanimous)
• Forwarded favorable recommendation to Full Council for public hearing on Proposed Local Law No. 2 of 2026 (unanimous)

Administrative Services Committee

Physical Services Committee

The Physical Services Committee will consider three items. First, the Zoning and Planning Office asks the Common Council to revoke Mr. Tony Morgan’s approval to use public space at 11 West Seneca Street for a patio and sidewalk, and to authorize the Code Enforcement Office to remove the installation and charge the cost to Mr. Morgan. Second, the Office of Economic Development will review a request from Collin Seeley of the Oswego County OASAS to use public space for a Community Health Outreach Fair on August 26, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Third, the Council will discuss and determine locations for 988 mental‑health crisis signs.

• Revoke Mr. Tony Morgan’s approval for a patio at 11 West Seneca Street and authorize removal and cost charge
• Consider request by Collin Seeley (Oswego County OASAS) to host Community Health Outreach Fair on Aug 26, 2026
• Discuss and determine placement locations for 988 mental‑health crisis signs

The Physical Services Committee approved the placement of 10 donated 988 suicide prevention signs at specific city locations. A request for a public space use permit for a health fair was tabled pending more information.

• Approved 988 sign locations: Utica Street Bridge (east/west), Bridge Street Bridge (east/west), East Linear Park, West Linear Park (Veterans Stage), Lakeside Park (East 10th and a Half St), Liberty Loop at Breitbeck Park, Sheldon Beach Park, and pedestrian rail trail bridge (unanimous)
• Tabled request from Collin Seeley (Oswego County OASAS) for Community Health Outreach Fair on August 26, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the July 6, 2026, Committee Meeting (unanimous)

Human Services Committee

Common Council

The Oswego Common Council will meet on July 13, 2026, to vote on several resolutions. The agenda includes two budget amendments totaling $148,759 to fund police supplies and fire department dispatch equipment, which supports emergency response operations. Council members will also approve a $145,232 bid for wastewater treatment equipment and authorize the demolition of a former car dealership at 410 West First Street. Several public space use permits and a bench donation are also scheduled for approval.

• Budget amendment of $59,669 to the Police Department for materials and supplies
• Budget amendment of $88,090 to the Fire Department for mobile computer-aided dispatch units
• Acceptance of a $145,232 bid from Guardian Environmental Products for wastewater skimmer equipment
• Authorization to demolish a former car dealership at 410 West First Street
• Approval of multiple public space use permits for events along Lake Street, West Third Street, and local parks

Planning and Development Committee

Physical Services Committee

The Physical Services Committee will review and vote on nine requests for use of public space, including a sidewalk replacement at 157 West Bridge Street, a bench donation, and multiple summer events such as the Summer Concert Series, a block party, and a drum festival. These are standard authorizations for temporary or minor public space uses.

• Authorization for sidewalk replacement at 157 West Bridge Street (Craig Gilkey)
• Additional dates for the Summer Concert Series 2026
• Use of public space for 1976 Class Reunion on July 31 (David Thompson)
• Oswego Big Latch On Event at Breitbeck Park on August 7
• West Third Street Block Party on July 18 (Ana Djukic-Cocks)

The Physical Services Committee unanimously approved a request to extend the sidewalk on West Bridge Street to Cayuga Street. It also approved an amended schedule for the Summer Concert Series and several use‑of‑public‑space requests for events such as a 1976 class reunion, a breastfeeding coalition gathering, outdoor fitness classes, and a West Third Street block party. The request to place Help Me Grow signage was tabled pending clarification, while a bench donation in memory of Eddie Myers was approved. All resolutions will be forwarded to the full council.

• Approved sidewalk extension to Cayuga Street (unanimous)
• Approved amended Summer Concert Series dates (unanimous)
• Approved 1976 Class Reunion use of public space (unanimous)
• Approved Oswego County Breastfeeding Coalition event (unanimous)
• Approved Mat Pilates/Yoga Sculpt classes in parks (unanimous)
• Approved West Third Street Block Party (unanimous)
• Tabled Help Me Grow signage request pending clarification (unanimous)
• Approved bench donation in memory of Eddie Myers (unanimous)

Human Services Committee

Administrative Services Committee

The Administrative Services Committee will consider five authorization requests. Major items include a $145,232 bid for rotary scum skimmer equipment at the Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant, budget amendments for fire department mobile computer-aided dispatch units ($88,090) and police department supplies ($59,669), discussion of the former Shapiro building demolition, and a request for the Oswego County Sheriff to purchase fuel at cost for their Marine Vessel.

• Authorization for $145,232 bid to Guardian Environmental Products for rotary scum skimmer equipment at Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Authorization for $88,090 budget amendment for Fire Department mobile computer-aided dispatch units
• Authorization for $59,669 budget amendment for Police Department materials and supplies from Law Enforcement Technology Grant
• Discussion of demolition project for former Shapiro building
• Authorization for Oswego County Sheriff to purchase fuel at cost for Marine Vessel

The Administrative Services Committee unanimously recommended several authorizations to the Full Council, including the demolition of the former Shapiro building and equipment upgrades for the fire and wastewater departments. The committee also recommended allowing the Oswego County Sheriff to purchase fuel at cost for their marine vessel.

• Approved minutes of June 15, 2026 meeting (Unanimous)
• Recommended $88,090 budget amendment for Fire Department Mobile Computer-Aided Dispatch Units (Unanimous)
• Recommended $59,669 budget amendment for Police Department camera installation (Unanimous)
• Recommended awarding demolition contract for former Shapiro building to Bronze Contracting for $122,000 plus up to $10,000 for air monitoring (Unanimous)
• Recommended $145,232 bid from Guardian Environmental Products for Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant equipment (Unanimous)
• Recommended authorization for Oswego County Sheriff to purchase fuel at cost for marine vessel (4-0-1)