Common Council - Regular Meeting
About this meeting
- Government Body
- Common Council
- Meeting Type
- Common Council
- Location
- Cortland, NY
- Meeting Date
- February 17, 2026
Video will appear here as soon as Cortland Common Council posts it — usually within a day of the meeting
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
7 items on the agenda.
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Start free trialSet Public Hearing Regarding Renewal of Franchise Agreement with Spectrum as Provider of Cable Services in the City of Cortland *
WHEREAS, Spectrum Northeast, LLC, known as Charter Communications, seeks to renew its nonexclusive franchise agreement with the City of Cortland for a fifteen (15) year period in consideration of an annual franchise fee in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the company’s annual gross revenue; AND WHEREAS, the City of Cortland will hold a public hearing prior to any decision to hear public comments on issues, including whether the company can reasonably meet the future cable-related community needs and interests, taking into account the cost of meeting such needs and interests; AND WHEREAS, if the City of Cortland determines that approving the agreement is consistent with the public interest, the franchise will be subject to approval by the New York Public Service Commission and be subject to franchise standards under Title 16, Chapter VIII, Part 895 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York; AND WHEREAS, a copy of the proposed agreement is available for public inspection during normal business hours at the City Clerk's office, and is available on the city website as part of Common Council meeting documents at www.cortlandny.gov/AgendaCenter, and shall be made available as part of the public hearing notice that will be posted on the city website at www.cortlandny.gov/512/Public-Notices; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland will hold a public hearing on March 3, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 25 Court Street, Cortland, NY 13045, to hear public comments on whether to approve a nonexclusive franchise agreement with Spectrum Northeast, LLC, for a fifteen (15) year period; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that at such public hearing, all persons will be given an opportunity to be heard, and written statements will be accepted at any time until the public hearing is closed.
Authorize Application to the National Police Dog Foundation General Assistance Grant Program for K-9 Replacement
WHEREAS, the City of Cortland Police Department maintains an active K-9 Program serving the City of Cortland and surrounding community; AND WHEREAS, one of the Department’s two K-9 teams has been impacted by the terminal diagnosis of K-9 Max, creating an immediate need to replace the K-9 in order to maintain patrol and narcotics detection services; AND WHEREAS, the City’s K-9 Program is funded almost entirely through community donations and fundraising efforts, with the exception of K-9 handler salaries funded through the City budget, resulting in limited available funds to replace a K-9; AND WHEREAS, the City desires to apply for up to $5,000 in financial assistance through the National Police Dog Foundation General Assistance Grant Program to assist with the purchase of a replacement K-9; AND WHEREAS, grant awards through the National Police Dog Foundation may require agency or community matching funds and ongoing financial commitment for maintenance, training, veterinary care and handler support; AND WHEREAS, the grant application requires that the applicant obtain the approval and endorsement of the governing body of the municipality; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council authorizes Mayor Steve or his designee to file an application for funds from the National Police Dog Foundation through its General Assistance Grant Program; and, upon approval of said request, to execute all necessary documents and agreements for such financial assistance to the City of Cortland for the purchase of a replacement K-9.
Authorize Change in Occupancy Tax Percentage for Overnight Lodging at Hotels, Motels and Covered Short-term Rentals
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 5 of 2025, adopted January 7, 2025, the City of Cortland Common Council enacted Local Law No. 1 of 2025 to amend Chapter 254 of the City Administrative Code to implement, on or after March 31, 2025, an occupancy tax of up to three percent (3%) of the per-diem rental rate for overnight lodging at hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, short-term and vacation rentals (e.g. Airbnb, Vrbo), and other types of lodging that are less than 30 consecutive days; AND WHEREAS, the law provides that four (4) percent of said revenue shall be retained by the City of Cortland for administration and collection costs; and the disposition of the remaining net revenues shall be allocated to "the promotion of tourism, cultural programs, parks and recreation, as well as the critical infrastructure and capital improvements necessary to support those activities; including, all financial costs and obligations incurred by the City of Cortland related to the creation of such events and activities as so determined by resolution of the City of Cortland Common Council;" AND WHEREAS, the City implemented a one percent (1%) occupancy tax effective June 2025; AND WHEREAS, the 2026 adopted City budget includes expected revenue from an occupancy tax of three percent (3%) of the per-diem rental rate for covered overnight lodging effective after April 1, 2026; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council does hereby authorize the Director of Administration and Finance to collect an occupancy tax of three percent (3%) of the per-diem rental rate for covered overnight lodging effective April 1, 2026 in accordance with Local Law No. 1 of 2025.
Approve Special Event Permits for YMCA Run and Walk Events
WHEREAS, the City of Cortland boasts a rich calendar of festivals, celebrations and events within our vibrant community, and pride ourselves on being a city that celebrates culture and creativity, fosters connection and well-being, and features a diverse range of happenings and experiences; AND WHEREAS, to ensure a safe and successful event, public safety and administrative officials review on-site plans and work with organizers to ensure logistical and safety requirements are met; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council does hereby approve for issuance by the City Clerk special event permits and sound device permits without fees for the YMCA events described below, conditioned on fulfillment of applicable state and local code requirements and approval by the Chief of Police. Event: Corn Ducky Derby 5K Route: Suggett Park and vicinity Date: May 2, 2026 Time: 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM Event: Viking 5K Route: Courthouse Park > W. Court St. > Tompkins St. > Return to Courthouse Park Date: June 20, 2026 Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Event: Leaf Peeper Half Marathon Route: Yaman Park and vicinity Date: September 26, 2026 Time: 5:30 AM - 12:00 PM Event: Run 4 All Route: Yaman Park and vicinity Date: October 10, 2026 Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Event: Turkey Trot 5K Route: YMCA > Tompkins St. > Pashley Dr. > Return to YMCA Date: November 26, 2026 Time: 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Approve Special Event Permits for Hip Hop in the Park Sponsored by Celebration Church
WHEREAS, the City of Cortland boasts a rich calendar of festivals, celebrations and events within our vibrant community, and pride ourselves on being a city that celebrates culture and creativity, fosters connection and well-being, and features a diverse range of happenings and experiences; AND WHEREAS, to ensure a safe and successful event, public safety and administrative officials review on-site plans and work with organizers to ensure logistical and safety requirements are met; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council does hereby approve issuance of a special event permit and sound device permit without fee for Hip Hop in the Park sponsored by Celebration Church to be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Courthouse Park; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk shall issue said permits conditioned on fulfillment of applicable state and local code requirements.
Accept and Recognize Donations to the Police Department *
WHEREAS, the City often receives donations from businesses, community organizations and citizens which aid in the funding of department programs and has recently received several donations; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council, on behalf of Mayor Steve and the Police Department, expresses its gratitude for the generosity of the donors below; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby accepts the donations listed below and appropriates them to the accounts and for the purposes designated below. Donor: Tritown Lodge #472 – Groton Location Amount: $1,500 Purpose: Canine Donations Trust (TEO 2101) Donor: Cortland Breakfast Rotary Club Amount: $3,500 Purpose: Canine Donations Trust (TEO 2101) Amount: $500 Purpose: McGruff Program Trust (TEO 2050)
Authorize Execution of an Engagement Letter with Phillips Lytle LLP for Legal Representation of the City of Cortland *
WHEREAS, the City of Cortland is a named defendant in an Article 78 proceeding; AND WHEREAS, the City finds that it is best served by engaging specialized legal counsel to represent and defend its interests in this specific litigation; AND WHEREAS, the law firm of Phillips Lytle LLP has proposed to provide legal services to the City in connection with this matter, under the primary supervision of Craig R. Bucki, Esq.; AND WHEREAS, the City of Cortland’s Corporation Counsel has reviewed the proposed engagement letter which sets forth proposed terms, fees and scope of services, and finds it to be in the best interest of the City to secure such representation; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Cortland Common Council hereby authorizes Mayor Steve to execute the engagement letter with Phillips Lytle LLP for legal services related to the defense of the City in the Article 78 proceeding.