Cortland, New York

Common Council

The Common Council will conduct public hearings regarding proposed local laws for zoning map amendments and parking regulations. The body will also review the July 2026 financial report and discuss mural policy and historic district regulations.

• Public hearing on proposed local law for zoning map amendments
• Public hearing on proposed local law for parking regulations
• Discussion of mural policy and historic district regulations
• Review of July 2026 financial report

Fire Commission

The Board of Fire Commissioners will convene to review minutes, sick time hours, and year-to-date budget status. The meeting will include reports from the Chief, Deputy Chiefs, and volunteer companies.

• Review of June 2026 minutes
• Review of sick time hours (473)
• Review of 2026 year-to-date budget status
• Reports from Chief, Deputy Chiefs, and volunteer companies
• Old and New Business items

The Board of Fire Commissioners accepted the retirement of Chief Wayne Friedman. The commission also approved the minutes from the June meeting.

• Accepted Chief Wayne Friedman’s retirement (unanimous)
• Approved June meeting minutes (unanimous)

Common Council

Planning Commission

Police Commission

La Comisión de Policía de Cortland discutirá aprobaciones rutinarias, incluyendo actas, facturas e informes, y luego tratará asuntos de negocios anteriores como una actualización de reclutas, vehículos policiales, capacitación, acreditación, conexiones comunitarias y una actualización del estacionamiento de pago a corto plazo. Los nuevos asuntos incluyen una posible compra o prueba de tecnología de lectores de placas Axon, Chimera y Flock, una donación para un nuevo corral de K9, presupuesto y finanzas, un programa de exploradores de aplicación de la ley, un evento Coffee With a Cop Kids, capacitación de fuego en vivo TRU, un informe de inspección de la cárcel y una actualización de un asunto de personal.

• Compra/Prueba de Axon, Chimera, Flock LPR
• Actualización del Estacionamiento de Pago a Corto Plazo
• Donaciones-Nuevo Corral para K9 Kort
• Actualización de Asunto de Personal
• Programa de Exploradores de Aplicación de la Ley Sept 2026-Ago 2027

The commission approved the minutes from the May meeting. It approved May bills totaling $14,533.16. It also approved the May reports and then adjourned the meeting.

• Approved May meeting minutes (motion by Whitlock, second by Michales)
• Approved May bills totaling $14,533.16 (motion by Starr, second by Whitlock)
• Approved May reports (motion by Michales, second by Sponaugle)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Starr, second by Michales)

Common Council

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

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

Zoning Board of Appeals

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

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

Historic or Architectural Review Board

La Comisión Histórica considerará dos solicitudes: una para el reemplazo de tejas del techo y la remoción de chimeneas en 64 Tompkins St., y otra para letreros de ventanas instalados sin aprobación previa en 6 Main St. La junta también discutirá las regulaciones del código municipal para señalización en distritos históricos y comerciales, y una actualización sobre el desarrollo de directrices para integrar murales en el distrito histórico del centro.

• Solicitud de Calabro Properties para reemplazar tejas del techo y remover chimeneas exteriores en 64 Tompkins St.
• Solicitud de Carlo Falso (Ceasers/Skinfinity) por letreros de ventanas instalados sin aprobación previa en 6 Main St.
• Discusión de las regulaciones de señalización bajo §300-54 (Historic Overlay District) y §300-116 (Central Business District)
• Discusión sobre el desarrollo de directrices para murales en el distrito histórico del centro

Common Council

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

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

Fire Commission

La Junta de Comisionados de Bomberos se reunirá para discutir el puesto de Jefe de Bomberos como un asunto de nuevo negocio. Los informes incluirán las horas de tiempo por enfermedad de mayo (431.5), el estado del presupuesto acumulado del año y actualizaciones del jefe, el jefe adjunto y el coordinador de voluntarios. La reunión es mayormente procedimental con un elemento sustantivo sobre el futuro del rol de Jefe de Bomberos.

• Nuevo Negocio: discusión sobre el puesto de Jefe de Bomberos
• Horas de tiempo por enfermedad de mayo reportadas: 431.5
• Informes del Estado del Presupuesto de Incendios y Códigos para el año 2026 hasta la fecha
• Actualización de Aparatos y Entrenamiento del Battalion Chief
• Informe del Coordinador de Membresía de Voluntarios

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

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

Planning Commission

La Comisión de Planificación de Cortland discutirá y posiblemente decidirá sobre un cambio de zonificación propuesto en su reunión del 1 de junio de 2026. La agenda también incluye revisiones del plan del sitio para las propiedades en 77-79 Main Street, un proyecto de Solar8 LLC cerca de I-81 y 160 Clinton Avenue.

• Cambio de zonificación propuesto (punto 4 de la agenda)
• Revisión del plan del sitio para 77-79 Main Street
• Revisión del plan del sitio para Solar8 LLC - I-81
• Revisión del plan del sitio para 160 Clinton Avenue

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

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

Zoning Board of Appeals

La Junta de Apelaciones de Zonificación de Cortland celebra una reunión especial para decidir sobre una varianza de uso para 77-79 Main St. El propietario Keith Fox (Cortland Student Living LLC) busca reconocer formalmente las unidades residenciales existentes en el primer piso en el Central Business District como un uso permitido, corrigiendo una aprobación pasada que violó el código de zonificación §300-32.

• Audiencia pública y decisión sobre la varianza de uso para unidades residenciales en el primer piso en 77-79 Main St. por Keith Fox (Cortland Student Living LLC)

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

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

Police Commission

La Comisión de Policía de Cortland se reúne el 27 de mayo de 2026 para revisar las actas, facturas e informes de la reunión anterior. Los asuntos antiguos incluyen actualizaciones sobre reclutamiento, vehículos policiales, capacitación y acreditación. Los asuntos nuevos cubren el estacionamiento de pago a corto plazo en áreas universitarias, persecuciones recientes, capacitación con armas de fuego y compartir los informes de la comisión con el Concejo Municipal.

• Estacionamiento de pago a corto plazo-Áreas Universitarias en julio
• Compartir Informes de la Comisión con el Concejo Municipal
• Capacitación de Armas de Fuego de Primavera, Transición de Punto Rojo
• Capacitación de K9 Atti 5/23-5/30
• Discusión sobre Persecuciones Recientes

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

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

Common Council

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

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

Zoning Board of Appeals

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

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

Fire Commission

La Junta de Comisionados de Bomberos llevará a cabo una reunión regular el 14 de mayo de 2026. La agenda es principalmente procedimental, con informes sobre horas de tiempo por enfermedad (359.5), el estado del presupuesto y actualizaciones de los jefes. No se enumeran asuntos nuevos ni asuntos pendientes, por lo que se trata de una reunión rutinaria.

• Aprobación de las actas de la reunión de abril de 2026
• Informe sobre las horas de tiempo por enfermedad de abril: 359.5
• Informes del estado del presupuesto de Fire and Code para el año 2026 hasta la fecha
• Informe del Jefe (no se enumeran elementos específicos)
• Actualización de PR del Jefe Adjunto

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

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

Common Council

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

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

Planning Commission

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

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

Zoning Board of Appeals

La Junta de Apelaciones de Zonificación tiene programado considerar múltiples casos, pero la agenda solo proporciona direcciones y números de caso sin detalles sobre la naturaleza de las solicitudes.

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

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

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

Police Commission

La Comisión de Policía de Cortland llevará a cabo una reunión regular con la aprobación de actas y facturas, revisión de informes y actualizaciones sobre asuntos pendientes, incluyendo la política de Power Engage, actualizaciones de reclutas, vehículos policiales, capacitación, acreditación, actualización de COPS, diseño web de SUNY y equipo Taser. Los puntos de nuevos asuntos incluyen el examen de servicio civil, la compra y capacitación de un nuevo canino, el presupuesto, las cámaras Flock, accidentes de vehículos motorizados, conexiones comunitarias y asuntos de personal. La reunión también incluye menciones honoríficas y comentarios del comisionado.

• Compra de Nuevo Canino y Selección/Capacitación de Caninos
• Cámaras Flock
• Discusión del Presupuesto
• Actualización del Equipo Taser
• Actualización de Asuntos de Personal y Remisión de Quejas de Personal

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

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

Common Council

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

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

Fire Commission

La Junta de Comisionados de Bomberos celebra una reunión ordinaria con informes sobre horas de tiempo por enfermedad (399 en febrero, 622.5 en marzo), el estado del presupuesto acumulado del año y actualizaciones del jefe, el jefe adjunto y el coordinador de voluntarios. No se enumeran puntos de negocios antiguos o nuevos para decisión o discusión.

• Tiempo por enfermedad de febrero: 399 horas; tiempo por enfermedad de marzo: 622.5 horas
• Informes del Estado del Presupuesto de Incendios y Códigos para el año 2026 hasta la fecha
• Informe del Jefe y Actualización de Relaciones Públicas del Jefe Adjunto

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

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

Common Council

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

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

Planning Commission

The Cortland Planning Commission will consider a consolidation request for the 22 Locust Ave. subdivision. It will also review site plan decisions for 16 Owego St., 32 Miller St., and 1‑3 & 8 Commando Ave., each referencing a prior decision date.

• Consolidation of the 22 Locust Ave. subdivision
• Site plan decision review for 16 Owego St. (2024‑11‑04)
• Site plan decision review for 32 Miller St. (2021‑06‑28)
• Site plan decision review for 1‑3 & 8 Commando Ave. (2025‑07‑07)

The Cortland Planning Commission unanimously approved the consolidation of the 22 Locust Ave. solar parcel. It also extended the site‑plan approvals for 32 Miller St., 16 Owego St., and 1‑3 & 8 Commando Ave. to 2027 or 2026 as specified. All motions passed with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved subdivision/consolidation of 22 Locust Ave. (5‑0)
• Extended site‑plan for 32 Miller St. until June 6 2027 (5‑0)
• Extended site‑plan for 16 Owego St. until November 4 2026 (5‑0)
• Extended site‑plan for 1‑3 & 8 Commando Ave. until July 7 2027 (5‑0)
• Accepted minutes of the March 2 2026 meeting (5‑0)

Police Commission

The Police Commission will meet to review department reports, bills, and personnel updates. The body will discuss new business including the purchase of a second K9 and the 2026 LE Tech Grant.

• Purchase of a second K9 (K9 Max)
• 2026 LE Tech Grant
• Budget and purchasing
• Fundraising for K9
• Personnel complaint referral

The commission approved the February meeting minutes, the February bills totaling $12,113.48, and the February reports. A motion was passed to enter Executive Session at 4:44 p.m. to discuss personnel matters, and later to return to the public session. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved February meeting minutes (motion Whitlock, second Michales)
• Approved February bills totaling $12,113.48 (motion Starr, second Hansen)
• Approved February reports (motion Michales, second Starr)
• Entered Executive Session at 4:44 p.m. to discuss personnel matters (motion Hansen, second Michales)
• Exited Executive Session (motion Starr, second Michales)
• Adjourned meeting (motion Starr, second Hansen)

Common Council

The Common Council approved Resolution No. 38 authorizing up to $4,796,965 in serial bonds to finance reconstruction and improvement of the bathhouse and pavilions at Yaman Beach. The council also approved appointing James Dempsey to the Cortland Housing Authority Board, amending the 2025 and 2026 budgets, authorizing agreements with Plan First Technologies and the Police Benevolent Association, declaring a police vehicle surplus for auction, and granting special event permits for PorchFest, the Corn Ducky Derby, and La Familia Latina. The minutes of the March 3, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (8‑0).

• Approved $4,796,965 bond issuance for Yaman Beach bathhouse reconstruction (Resolution 38)
• Appointed James Dempsey to the Cortland Housing Authority Board (Resolution 39)
• Amended 2025 budget to reallocate funds for a Parks and Recreation vehicle (Resolution 42)
• Amended 2026 General Fund budget (Resolution 43)
• Authorized IT services agreement with Plan First Technologies (Resolution 44)
• Authorized memorandum of agreement with Police Benevolent Association for compensatory time (Resolution 45)
• Declared Police Department vehicle surplus and authorized sale by auction (Resolution 46)
• Approved special event permits for PorchFest, Corn Ducky Derby, and La Familia Latina (Resolutions 47‑49)

Fire Commission

The Board of Fire Commissioners will meet to review departmental reports and budget status. The agenda consists primarily of procedural reports and updates from fire leadership.

• Review of February 2026 meeting minutes
• Report of 399 February sick time hours
• 2026 Year to Date Fire and Code Budget Status Reports
• Apparatus and training update from Battalion Chief(s)

Common Council

Planning Commission

The Cortland Planning Commission will consider a site‑plan application to convert retail space in the Cortland Corset Building at 75 E. Court St. into a public assembly use—a coffee shop that will serve alcoholic beverages. The applicant also seeks approval for a 40‑foot by 3‑foot sign on the building. The commission will also vote to accept the minutes from the January 5 and February 2, 2026 meetings.

• Site‑plan review for 75 E. Court St. conversion of retail space to a coffee shop with alcoholic beverages
• Request for a 40' × 3' sign on the Cortland Corset Building
• Parcel is zoned GI (General Industrial) and within 500 ft of US Route 11, subject to GML 239‑M
• County staff found the application technically adequate with no state or county‑wide impact and returned it without County Planning Board review
• Vote to accept minutes of the January 5 and February 2, 2026 meetings

The Commission voted 5‑0 to approve the site plan for 75 E. Court St., allowing a bookshop, coffee shop and café with beer and wine. The body also approved the minutes of the January 5 and February 2, 2026 meetings, each by a 5‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 5:36 p.m.

• Approved site plan for 75 E. Court St. (bookshop & café) (5-0)
• Accepted minutes of Jan 5, 2026 meeting (5-0)
• Accepted minutes of Feb 2, 2026 meeting (5-0)

Police Commission

The Cortland Police Commission will meet to approve minutes, review bills and reports, and discuss the 2026 budget, officer assignments, and equipment updates.

• Approval of minutes from 01/28/2026
• Review of bills and reports
• Discussion of 2026 budget
• Officer retirement and rehire
• K9 car upfit and donations

The commission approved the minutes of the January meeting and the January bills totaling $12,813.98. It also approved the January reports. Officer Locke’s retirement was accepted and he will be rehired as the second School Resource Officer beginning March 10. The commission entered an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters before adjourning.

• Approved January meeting minutes (motion Whitlock, second Sponaugle)
• Approved January bills totaling $12,813.98 (motion Michales, second Whitlock)
• Approved January reports (motion Michales, second Whitlock)
• Accepted Officer Locke’s retirement and approved his rehire as 2nd SRO effective March 10
• Approved Sgt. Green’s transfer to the Detective Bureau
• Entered Executive Session at 4:54 p.m. to discuss personnel matters (motion Starr, second Michales)
• Exited Executive Session at 5:20 p.m. (motion Whitlock, second Starr)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion Whitlock, second Michales)

Common Council

The Common Council adopted seven resolutions covering a public hearing on the Spectrum cable franchise renewal, a grant application for a K‑9 replacement, a change to the occupancy tax rate for short‑term rentals, special event permits for a YMCA run and a Hip Hop in the Park event, acceptance of police department donations, and execution of a legal engagement letter. The council also approved the February 2025 Finance Report and filed several memoranda, each with a unanimous 7‑0 vote.

• Adopted Resolution 21 to hold a public hearing on March 3 2026 for the Spectrum franchise renewal
• Adopted Resolution 22 authorizing application to the National Police Dog Foundation grant for K‑9 replacement
• Adopted Resolution 23 authorizing change in occupancy tax percentage for hotels, motels and short‑term rentals
• Adopted Resolution 24 approving special event permits for the YMCA Run and Walk events
• Adopted Resolution 25 approving special event permits for Hip Hop in the Park sponsored by Celebration Church
• Adopted Resolution 26 accepting and recognizing donations to the Police Department
• Adopted Resolution 27 authorizing execution of an engagement letter with Phillips Lytle LLP for legal representation
• Approved February 2025 Finance Report (7 ayes, 0 nays)

Fire Commission

The Board of Fire Commissioners will meet to review January 2026 minutes and sick time hours. The body will also receive budget status reports for Fire and Code and updates from department leadership.

• January Sick Time Hours: 279.5
• Fire and Code Budget Status Reports for 2026 Year to Date
• Apparatus and Training update from the Battalion Chief

The commission unanimously accepted the January meeting minutes and the February sick‑leave report. It also approved moving volunteer Caleb Knickerbocker to permanent membership status. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Accepted January meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted February sick‑leave report (unanimous)
• Approved permanent membership for volunteer Caleb Knickerbocker (unanimous)

Common Council

The Common Council authorized Mayor Steve to sign a service agreement with Martin Energy Group for the Wastewater Treatment Facility’s 500 kW cogeneration system at an annual cost of $123,600. The council also approved a $2‑per‑hour salary increase for the Parking Enforcement Officer and transferred care of K9 Max to Officer Alexander Perkins. A motion to over‑hire one police officer failed in a 4‑4 vote, and the collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 317 was postponed to the March 3 meeting.

• Approved $123,600 annual maintenance agreement for wastewater cogeneration system (8-0)
• Approved increase of Parking Enforcement Officer pay to $19.00 per hour (8-0)
• Approved transfer of K9 Max to Officer Alexander Perkins for $1.00 (8-0)
• Failed motion to over‑hire one police officer (4-4)
• Postponed collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 317 to March 3 (8-0)
• Accepted revised minutes of Jan 20 meeting (8-0)
• Moved to executive session (8-0)
• Returned to regular session (8-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved the site‑plan application for 52 Clayton Ave., adding conditions for downward‑facing lighting and 20‑foot arborvitae trees. The motion passed unanimously, 5‑0. The commission also elected Joe McMahon as chair and Chris Peppel as vice‑chair, each by a 5‑0 vote, and approved the December 1, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Approved 52 Clayton Ave. site plan with lighting and tree conditions (5-0)
• Elected Joe McMahon as Planning Commission Chair (5-0)
• Elected Chris Peppel as Planning Commission Vice‑Chair (5-0)
• Approved minutes of December 1, 2025 meeting (5-0)

Police Commission

The Cortland Police Commission will review and approve the minutes from the November 19, 2025 meeting and examine recent bills and reports. The agenda includes updates on a possible 2026 LE Tech Grant, recruitment, police vehicles and equipment, training, accreditation, and warming‑center security. New business items cover hiring interviews, K‑9 health concerns, correction of 2026 budget errors, staffing positions, safety‑light program, and community connections. The meeting will conclude with commendations, the commissioner’s comments, and adjournment.

• LE Tech Grant – Possible 2026 LE Tech Grant
• Polygraph MOU with Groton PD
• Budget Errors/Mistakes 2026
• COPS Position Filled
• SRO Position & Waiver

The commission approved the minutes of the November meeting and the November and December police bills. It accepted a $5,000 donation for Guardian Angel safety lights and confirmed the retirement of K9 Max due to Stage 5 lymphoma. The body also moved into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters before adjourning the meeting.

• Approved minutes of the November meeting (motion Whitlock, second Hansen)
• Approved November bills totaling $12,218.22 (motion Sponaugle, second Hansen)
• Approved December bills totaling $31,564.02 (motion Hansen, second Whitlock)
• Accepted $5,000 donation for safety equipment and purchased Guardian Angel safety lights
• Retired K9 Max after diagnosis of Stage 5 lymphoma
• Moved into Executive Session at 5:05 p.m. to discuss personnel matters (motion Hansen, second Starr)
• Adjourned the meeting at 5:46 p.m. (motion Hansen, second Starr)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will administer the oath of office for Dana Merkur and reappoint Kyle Davis. Board members will elect a chair and vice chair for 2026. The board will hear an area variance request for a 200‑sq‑ft prefabricated shed at 17 Randall St. It will also consider an appeal of a denied local tobacco retail license for Student Finest Convenient, Inc. at 22 Main St.

• Oath of office for Dana Merkur and reappointment of Kyle Davis
• Election of board chair and vice chair for 2026
• Area variance request for a 200 sq ft shed at 17 Randall St.
• Appeal of denied tobacco retail license for Student Finest Convenient, Inc. at 22 Main St.

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved an area variance for 17 Randall St. with specific conditions. It also reversed the denial of a Local Tobacco Retail License for 22 Main St., issuing the license with a restriction on certain products. The board approved the minutes from the November 24, 2025 meeting and then adjourned.

• Approved area variance for 17 Randall St. with conditions (3-0)
• Reversed denial and issued Local Tobacco Retail License to 22 Main St. with product restriction (3-0)
• Approved minutes of the November 24, 2025 meeting (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Merkur)

Historic or Architectural Review Board

The Historic Commission voted 5‑0 to approve a new sign for the Cortland Standard newspaper as submitted. It also approved the Nanu’s Hot Chicken sign application with a condition to reduce the Main Street sign size to meet code. The board accepted the December 16, 2025 meeting minutes and scheduled a discussion of signage code compliance for the February 17, 2026 agenda.

• Approved Cortland Standard sign application as submitted (5-0)
• Approved Nanu’s Hot Chicken sign application with size‑reduction condition (5-0)
• Accepted minutes of the December 16, 2025 meeting (5-0)
• Adopted motion to place signage‑code discussion on Feb 17, 2026 agenda (5-0)

Common Council

The Common Council voted 5‑0 to confirm Clarence E. Shager, Jr. as the City’s Director of Administration & Finance. The Council also adopted resolutions to reappoint the Board of Assessment Review, approve event permits for the Family Fun Fest, authorize agreements for water‑department generator service, NYS DOT grant writing, parking‑enforcement officer clothing, wastewater‑treatment water‑quality improvements, and to accept donations to the Police Department. The minutes of the January 6, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (6‑0).

• Confirmed Director of Administration & Finance appointment (5‑0)
• Reappointed members of the Board of Assessment Review (adopted)
• Approved Family Fun Fest event permits for Suggett Park (adopted)
• Authorized agreement with Cummins Sales & Service for water‑department generator service (adopted)
• Authorized agreement with BCA Architects Engineers for NYS DOT grant writing services (adopted)
• Authorized memorandum with Parking Enforcement Officer for clothing items (adopted)
• Authorized agreement with Cedarwood Engineering for wastewater‑treatment water‑quality project (adopted)
• Accepted and recognized donations to the Police Department (adopted)

Fire Commission

The Cortland Fire Commission will review and approve the paid staff sick report for December 2025 and the credit card statement for the same month. It will also consider the minutes from the December 2025 meeting and receive budget, chief, and deputy chief updates. No new business or resolutions are listed.

• Approval of Paid Staff Sick Report: December 2025
• Approval of Credit Card Statement: December 2025
• Review of Minutes from the December 2025 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting
• Fire and Code Budget Status Report for 2025 year‑to‑date
• Chief’s, Deputy Chief’s, and Battalion Chief’s reports

The commission voted unanimously to re‑elect Bonnie Heath as Chairperson and to confirm Paul Quinlan as Vice‑Chair. The board also approved the December meeting minutes and accepted the December sick‑leave report, each with all members in favor. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Re‑elected Bonnie Heath as Chairperson (all in favor, motion carried)
• Confirmed Paul Quinlan as Vice‑Chair (all in favor, motion carried)
• Accepted December meeting minutes (all in favor, motion carried)
• Accepted December sick‑leave report (all in favor, motion carried)

Common Council

The Common Council voted 8‑0 to repeal the 2025 resolution naming the Syracuse Post Standard and to designate the Cortland Standard as the city’s official newspaper until Dec. 31, 2027. The council also approved the December 16, 2025 minutes (8‑0) and unanimously cancelled the June 2, 2026 meeting due to the county dairy parade. Mayor Steve appointed Councilmember Troy Beckwith as Acting Mayor.

• Designated Cortland Standard as official newspaper (8‑0)
• Approved Dec. 16, 2025 meeting minutes (8‑0)
• Cancelled regular council meeting scheduled for June 2, 2026 (unanimous)
• Mayor appointed Troy Beckwith as Acting Mayor
• Reversed 2025 resolution naming Syracuse Post Standard as official newspaper

Planning Commission

The commission approved a minor improvement for 105 Main St and a site plan for 14 parking spaces at 117‑119 Clinton Ave, conditioning the approval on sidewalk‑access requirements. It denied a lot‑line adjustment request between 70 Pomeroy St and 98 E. Court St. The commission also approved site plans for 58 Pendleton St and for a storage shed and floodplain permit at 3 South Ave, and accepted the December 1, 2025 minutes.

• Approved Minor Improvement Plan for 105 Main St (signed by Vice Chair)
• Approved site plan for 14 parking spaces at 117‑119 Clinton Ave (4-1 vote)
• Denied lot line adjustment between 70 Pomeroy St and 98 E. Court St (5-0 vote)
• Approved site plan for 58 Pendleton St (5-0 vote)
• Approved site plan and floodplain development permit for 3 South Ave (5-0 vote)
• Accepted minutes of the December 1, 2025 meeting (5-0 vote)