Common Council - Regular Meeting

GOOD EVENING. JUST A REGULAR SESSION AT THE RUM COMMON COUNCIL. THE DATE IS JULY 8, 2026, THE TIME IS 7 P.M. MR. STILWOOD, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

COUNCILOR SPRACE.

PRESENT.

COUNCILOR MORRIS. PRESENT. COUNCILOR FAZIO.

PRESENT.

COUNCILOR SMITH.

HERE.

COUNCILOR REILLY. PRESENT. COUNCILOR DURSEY. HERE. COUNCILOR SPARALIA. PRESENT.

PLEASE RISE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. The invocation will be offered by the chair. Gracious God, unite us in our purpose to serve the public good. Give us open minds, patient hearts, and the wisdom to do what is right for our community. Amen.

At this point, the meeting is open to the public.

You have the opportunity to appear before the council and present your views concerning city affairs. If you wish to speak, step up to the back microphone. State your name, address, and limit yourself to five minutes. Also, please sign in on the sign-in sheet to help us with our record. We have our first speaker approaching now.

hello my name is michelle morgan um my husband is a vietnam veteran we live in the first ward um last week um at the beginning of the week a neighbor who has moved in in the last few months threw an m80 at my husband my husband has dementia and ptsd and he struggles a lot. He ended up with a four-day hospital stay because of this incident. When the police came, no report was filed. I went down to the station Thursday, asked for a copy of the report, was told they couldn't find anything. It was listed as a dispute. I asked to speak to the chief. They said he was busy. I said we could wait. They said we could not. I gave them my number. It's been a week. I think that's fair. In the interim, things are continuing to happen in our neighborhood, properties being defaced, trash is being thrown in our lawns. I'm struggling as it is right now. I have a big old house and a husband who's not well, and it's making it unbearable for people to live there. There's a noise issue. There's kids out at all hours of the night. I'm not sure what can be done. I do know that the owners also own Mohawk Gardens and we haven't been able to find anybody to reach regarding this situation. So I'm here hoping somebody can help us. My husband didn't deserve to have to be in the hospital because of this.

Thank you. Did you sign it on the speaker sheet? I'm sorry. Did you sign it on the sheet there, please?

I couldn't hear.

Very good. Thank you.

I'm sorry. Good evening.

My name is Robin Jacob Cianthus and I reside on Chatham Street with my husband. My husband's family has called Rome home for more than 80 years. Six years ago, my husband retired and we chose to return to Rome to spend our retirement years. We understood that neighborhoods change over time, but we expected, we never expected to experience the situation we're facing today. I understand that every neighborhood has differences among the neighbors. I'm not here to complain about people gathering on their porch or speaking loudly. I am here. to place on the record a series of incidences that have left my husband and I feeling threatened and concerned for the safety of our home. Approximately three weeks ago, I was walking along my property line to remove weeds from growing up around my vinyl fence. And I guess you all know what happens with weeds. If you don't get them, they continue to grow. When a young man approached me and claimed that I was on his property, I responded by asking him to move his bicycle and chair off the fence because it could not afford to support that kind of property. He removed it. and then he left. Afterwards, I approached the individual sitting on the porch, and they lived next door to me at 625, and respectfully asked them that they not send people to confront or harass me. I explained that I was not interested in an argument or conflict, and then later that evening, someone apologized to me for the man's behavior, and I chose not to engage any further. On June 28, approximately at 1130pm, and I do have a video of that, we were disturbed by extremely loud music and noise, with the kind of language that I don't think their mother would even appreciate. My husband and I, my husband looked over the fence and politely asked if they would lower the volume, and to their credit, they did so for several minutes. The following day I was working on my home and a woman asked if they could put decorations on the fence because they were having a celebration. I asked how they intended to attach it and she said they would use tape. I agreed and provided that no tape residue was left behind. she apologized for the loud music the previous night and I responded that 11 30 at night was not considerate a considerate hour for such noise in a residential neighborhood a time shortly after that My neighbor was on the property and as Michelle had explained, there was this loud noise called an M-80 that was fired off and caused all kinds of upset, not only for him, but for the neighborhood. My immediate concern was to help my neighbor because he was having an episode in response to that having been afflicted with PTSD and also his wife had gotten locked into her house. I realized that my time is limited so I'm going to cut my statement short, but I will in fact give you a hard copy of it so that you can read it at your convenience. I only ask that here tonight i believe that every resident deserves a safe place in their home and to have legitimate concerns taken seriously i respectfully ask that the city council to review these incidences that are in my report also and to ensure that residents receive an appropriate response when they report threats to their safety or damage to their property Thank you for your time and attention. I sincerely hope that I have not have to return here with additional concerns. However, if my concerns continue to go unanswered, I will advocate for my family and for the safety of my neighborhood and join you again. Thank you and have a good evening.

Thank you, Robin. Next speaker, please.

Good evening.

Bobby O'Brien speaking to you on behalf of the Rome Waterways and Trails Advocacy Group, President Nash, Councilors, City Representatives, and members of the community. I have two things tonight. first i would like to ask the council's support of resolution 85 86 and 87 they represent donations in support of the welcoming block party to be held next thursday when riders participating in the parks and trails new york cycle the erie canal tour arrive here Resolution 85 represents the donation of $500 from GPO Federal Credit Union. And I would like to give an in-person thanks to Alyssa Daly, the Marketing and Community Engagement Coordinator at GPO, who is here tonight. and by extension, everyone at GPO Federal for their support of this family-friendly community event. Thank you so much, Alyssa. The other two donations are $500 from Stewart Shop. They continue to support our community in so many ways. And once again, our gratitude to the OG sponsor of the block party Worthington Industries for their generous support of the event in the amount of $5,000. I would also like to thank once again, Air City Lofts for their support, which we acknowledged at the June 10th council meeting. This year's welcoming block party is going to be bigger and better. We hope that you'll stop at our booth and say hi. There will be a myriad of exhibitors on hand, music, games on the green, food trucks, and brick and mortar options when you get hungry, and a few options for when you get thirsty. So mark your calendars for Thursday, July 16th from 3.30 to 8.30. Second, I look forward to seeing a great turnout on Saturday, this Saturday. Albany Symphony's Water Music New York Rome has a spectacular event planned from activities at the SFM skate park starting at noon to other daytime activities starting at 2.30 on the Bellamy Harbor Park side. There will be a paint and sip under a big tent from five to seven. Music starts at 5 45 with two opening acts at 8 PM will be the premiere of the Albany symphonies concert written specifically for Rome. Oh, and there's food trucks. Don't worry. There's food trucks, but I am sorry. No fireworks. We're gonna have a drone show instead. Thank you.

Thank you, Mavi. Next speaker, please. Anybody else want to speak? The session is closed. SURE ENTERTAIN A MOTION THAT THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF THE PRECEDING SESSION BE DISPENSED WITH AND THAT THEY BE APPROVED SO MOVED COUNCILOR SMITH SECOND COUNCILOR SPARAGIA MOVED AND SECONDED ANY DISCUSSION ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE AYE OPPOSED CARRIED NOW LET'S SEE NO WE'LL WRITE THE REPORT TO THE CITY OFFICIALS PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSIONER WHITE

President members of Council, I will look into those incidents on Chatham Street. I will make sure the PD reaches out to these young ladies and lets them know what the next course of action to be and why their concerns weren't addressed up to this point. And I will make sure that the counselors are briefed on my findings after I discuss it with the police.

Thank you, Commissioner. Anyone else?

For the counselors, counselors for all you. President Nash, fellow members of the council, members of the public. I'd like to read a statement written by Brandon Lovett, who is the director of parks and recreation concerning several incidents that happened at city pools last weekend. So as Councillor Speraglia, good afternoon. As per your request, please see below. I'm sending this over to address several serious incidents that occurred at our pool facilities over the Independence Day holiday weekend and outline the steps being taken to ensure the safety of our patrons and employees. On July 3rd at Toste Pool, a confrontation began after staff prevented a child from entering the deep water area without completing the required swim test. The situation quickly escalated into verbal abuse, threats of violence, and reported references to a firearm. Staff immediately contacted the Rome Police Department, which responded within minutes. Thankfully, no one was physically injured, but the incident was extremely traumatic for our young employees as well as the people that were attending there. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. Additional incidents requiring police response also occurred over the holiday weekend. While these involve only a small number of individuals, they are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Brandon spoke with Mayor Lanigan in depth about these issues, and he responded immediately by directing additional police presence at the pool. The mayor directed the Parks and Recreation Office to implement a zero tolerance behavior policy. Individuals who engage in threatening, abusive, disruptive, or unsafe behavior will be removed from the facility and may be banned from all city pools, parks, programs, events, and other city properties for a minimum of one year. How that would work is once they are banned from there, they would receive a banned letter, and if they are found at another city park or an event and are discovered, the police will be called and they will be removed immediately. The mayor is also working with the Rome Police Department to increase patrols at our pool facilities whenever staffing permits. In addition, the pool pass system, which we've instituted this year, has already proven valuable by allowing staff to quickly identify those involved in these incidents. Looking ahead to the 2027 season, the City will also evaluate additional measures, including a modest admission fee to further improve accountability and help maintain a safe, family-friendly environment. The majority of our patrons are respectful and simply want to enjoy our pools. Our goal is to ensure they can continue to do so in a safe environment. Our employees deserve to come to work without fear of intimidation or violence, and the city will continue taking every reasonable step necessary to protect both our staff and the public. I THOUGHT IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO READ THAT BECAUSE I HAD FOUND OUT THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA AND THERE WAS ALL TYPES OF STORIES GOING AROUND. AND ONCE AGAIN, THEY IMMEDIATELY ENACTED A NEW POLICY. YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO READ THIS, BUT IT IS ON FACEBOOK ON THE CITY SITE AND ON MY PERSONAL SITE AND MY COUNCIL SITE ABOUT THE ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY AND THE RULES. AND THEY WILL BE ENFORCED. So that's one small, I shouldn't say one small incident, but that's one improvement that they made immediately. And believe me to all the naysayers on Facebook, it will be enforced strictly.

Thank you. Thank you. Counselor Spry. Yeah. Counselor Spry. Thank you, president Nash.

Um, I would like to address the two speakers. If you could stick around for a few minutes after meeting and I can give you my contact information. I know our public safety commissioner, he's going to handle it, but I still would like to talk with you both a little bit and give you my contact. If this happens again, you should call me and I should be able to help you out or something so you can figure this out. Thank you.

Anyone else?

Okay.

Yes, sir.

Absolutely. Uh, I spoke with the parks department today and captain fair brother, and he was going to address the, the band letters. So that should have been taken care of today. If not today, whenever, you know, when they, when they get a chance to, but it was discussed today and they are, the police department's already working on it. As far as getting the band letters signed and issued and, and for all the, for the different incidents and stuff, but they are working on that. I spoke with him today.

I'm assuming that when Brandon mentioned the pool passes, that will help us in that respect as to identifying the individuals.

Yes, and their addresses and where we have to serve the letters.

Okay. Thank you, Commissioner.

Yeah, our police department does a great job. It's unfortunate. It's actually very sad that I'm hearing of these incidents. It's no reflection on the police at all. It's just a reflection of our society. I know it's not a majority of the people, but it's still very disappointing and embarrassing as a citizen of Rome that we have to have these incidents happening. And we'll address them as they come. That's all we can do. Resolutions. Resolution number 85.

Accepting donation presented to the City of Rome by GPO Federal Credit Union, $500.

Councilor Fazio and Councilor Smith. We've been seconded. Any discussion? I would like to offer my thanks to GPO for their generous donations. We have a lot of great companies and organizations in the city that do a lot for us, a lot of donations. So thank you. Any further discussion? All in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed, care. Resolution number 85. 86.

Or 86, excuse me. Accepting donation presented to the City of Rome by Stewart Shop, $500. So moved.

Councilor Mortis. Second. And Councilor Spreys. Moved and seconded. Any discussion? Again, I'd like to offer my thanks to Stewart's for their generous donation. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed? Resolution number 86 is carried. Resolution number 87.

Accepting donation presented to the City of Rome by Worthington Steel, $5,000. So moved.

Councilor Speraglia? Second. Councilor Dursey? Moved and seconded. Any discussion? Again, I'd like to offer my thanks to Worthington. This is a big donation, and we are very appreciative of it. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed, resolution number 87 is carried. Resolution number 88.

Authorizing the city treasurer to reallocate ARPA funds. So moved.

Council Mortis. Second. And Councilor Dersi. Moving second, any discussion? All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed, resolution carries. Resolution number 89.

Authorizing the Mayor of the City of Rome to accept the 2026 through 2027 NYSDOT Consolidated Local Highway Improvement Program, CHPS, $3,613,898.30. Second. Councilor Smith and Council Sparaglia, any discussion?

DPW Commissioner Giuliano, is this the same as last year? Is this an increase or how this compared to last year?

President Nash, members of the council, this was a slight increase from last year. It's a calculated number on our lane miles, so it's not an arbitrary number. All these programs are set up on the same calculation basis. So when we report lane miles, if we extended a road by half a mile, that all gets logged into the DOT and it's calculated in that formula.

Okay, thank you.

You're welcome.

Any further discussion? All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed? Resolution number 89 is carried. Resolution number 90.

Authorizing an amendment to agreement with the New York State Unified Court System relative to cleaning services at the Rome City Court Facility.

Move it. Councilor Smith. Second. And Councilor Darcy. Move and second. Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Carried. Resolution number 91.

Authorizing amendment number 2 to the 1030 East Dominick Street ERP HHB Capital Project Account.

Move it.

Council Spurius and Council Mortis. Moved and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Carried. Resolution number 92.

Authorizing the Mayor of the City of Rome to submit a State Assistance Contract Amendment Number 2 to the Environmental Remediation Program Grant through New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, $2,525,237. Second. Council Spurius and Council Sparaglia. Moved and seconded.

Any discussion? This is referring to 1030 East Dominick Street. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Carried. Ordinances. Ordinance number 9888.

Authorizing amendments to Rome Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 with respect to the regulation of plumbing trade in the City of Rome.

Move it. Councilor Smith. Second. Councilor Riley. Second. Councilor Mortis and Councilor Sparaglia. Ordinance number 9888 has been moved and seconded. Unanimous consent has been moved and seconded. All those in favor of unanimous consent, say aye. Aye. Opposed, unanimous consent is carried. Is there any discussion?

All those in favor, say aye.

Aye. Opposed, ordinance number 9888 is carried. We're going to leave 9884 on the table. And the chair will entertain a motion to adjourn. So moved. Councilor Smith. Second. Councilor Fazio. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? We are adjourned. Thank you all for coming tonight.