Common Council - Regular Meeting

Okay. 7:15. Uh this is the time when uh we have a public session. Uh so uh we have one person signed up. So what I'd like to do is um I'd like to uh have that person come up to the microphone and after that uh there's a couple proclamations that I want to read. We have some people in the audience uh that will be uh participating in it. uh one is for the child abuse prevention month uh which is April and uh for the Arbor Day celebration coming up soon. So uh first things first, let's do uh the um public session. The person that's uh signed up, the only person signed up is a Mark McCroy. Uh please step right up to the podium, state your name and address and uh no uh know this that uh and these rules are very simple. Mark, no profanity, no name calling, no personal tax, and please try to keep it to a fiveminute limit.

We'll do it, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Thanks.

So my name is Mark McCroy. I'm a resident of 96th Avenue in the third ward. I've lived there for about 30 years now. So, um, with that said, I'm here to speak to a proposed zoning change, uh, resolution item tonight. I do recognize that it is tonight is not a vote on the zoning change itself. It is to move it to public hearing. Um, that said, a couple comments I'd like to get out on the record if I may, please. Um, this zoning change would uh reszone two parcels from traditional neighborhood, I got the terminology right, to traditional business. Um there was uh at the planning board review meeting which was uh April 7th there was some very healthy discussion. Um I spoke at that meeting as well. Several of the other neighbors were there. Several of them spoke. Um but uh out of that review and regarding the request, there were several concerns that I personally expressed. I won't rehash the whole planning board meeting here. I know several of the counselors were there in person and heard that firsthand. Um, but in in summary, the concerns that I expressed that night that I would just want to make sure the council heard here tonight as well were that there there seems to be a significant lack of detail associated with that particular request in my opinion. Don't claim to be a zoning expert, but just reading it and taking it at face value and some experience in construction and project development myself, it came across that way to me. Uh there's references in there to parcels the parcels being previously used for commercial purposes. That's not really true. Those have been green space forever. They were never part and parcel to the hotel operations that Mr. Thomas ran many years ago or the restaurant business, whether it be Peppercorns or I'll show my age, the old Howard Johnson's. Um it there was great dialogue regarding the recognition or

acknowledgement of the process and again you know any future development would be subject to site plan review subject to the uh the limitations in the table of uses for whatever the zoning may end up being. So again I'm familiar with those. I recognize that it does feel to me though it's a little bit like a a blank check type situation. The presenter that evening at the planning board stated that there's no definitive development in the works. They've had interest, no offers. Um, so it it feels to me it's a little bit like a trust me, you'll have your shot at anything when a site plan comes up if we go ahead and reszone this. And that's unsettling to me as a property owner in the area of what I consider one of asiggo's nicest, you know, very residential neighborhoods. We all know that, you know, there's different levels of residential neighborhoods and uh it it's very quiet out there and very peaceful and the neighbors have would like to see it remain that way. So, at the end of the day, the planning board conclusion was to not provide a uh a positive advisory opinion to the council, which I'm sure everybody here is aware of. So, I'd just like to encourage the council tonight to follow suit. And again, I do recognize that this is tonight's resolution is limited to just moving it to a public hearing. But from my perspective, if in fact the planning board did their thorough due diligence, which I feel they did, the council should heed that due diligence and let's just put an end to this and not carry it any further. So, thank you for your time. I appreciate the consideration.

Thank you. Uh, that was the only person signed up. Is there anyone else uh in the room that would like to speak? Uh seeing nobody else, uh I will close public session and we will uh move on to something uh that might be a little more entertaining than uh zoning. I have uh two proclamations. Like I mentioned, uh I'd like to have uh the uh Arbor Day people come up to the center. We've got uh got some special people uh in the room dressed in their colors. Yes.

Come on up. Tree advisor. All right. I'm in the center. Everybody else kind of crowd around here. Thanks about our No, I wouldn't do that.

We got room over here.

Okay. Uh, as I said, uh, I have a proclamation that I'd like to read. And, uh, we have some fine people here uh, joining me up here. Uh, the tree stewards and the tree advisory board uh, help keep our tree canopy uh, healthy and, uh, is very important for that uh, function here in our community. As we know, there's a lot of great, beautiful trees here and and the people behind me uh are certainly the stewards of that and we're so lucky to have all of you uh do that for us. So, without further ado, I'm going to read the um proclamation and then anybody that would like to speak after me, uh you're more than welcome. Uh you can uh keep it to five minutes though. Okay. Whereas in 1872, J. Sterling Morton, a pioneer who recognized the importance of trees, recogni proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture for there to be a designated special day for tree planting. And whereas this tree planting holiday was called Arbor Day and was first observed on April 10th, 1872. And it is estimated that 1 million trees, let me repeat that, one million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first observance of harbor harbor day. And whereas this idea gained traction over the years and by the 1920s, each state in the United States had passed public laws designating a specific day to honor Arbor Day. And whereas Arbor Day is an important day to honor as trees are a vital renewable resource that so much of our daily lives depend on. And whereas planting and nurturing trees contributes to the health and well-being of present and future generations. And whereas trees in the city of Asiggo are not only a part of our city's beautifification, but trees are a vital part of our world, providing clean air,

shade, and habitat for wildlife. And whereas the city of Awiggo has a long-standing recognized Tree City USA, requiring legal responsibility for oversight and care of trees in its jurisdiction, ensuring funds are allocated to the continued care of existing trees and the planting of new ones as trees are an important public asset, as well as providing annual observance of Arbor Day officially by way of this proclamation. Now therefore, I, Robert A. Corodino, mayor of the city of Asiggo, do hereby proclaim do hereby proclaim Friday, April 24th, 2026 is Arbor Day in the city of Asiggo. I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day by participating in activities such as planting trees, educating themselves about sustainable forestry practices, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. Congratulations, Arbor Day. LET'S TAKE let's take a quick photographs.

Yeah, probably. Everybody ready? One, two, three. And and uh we have a microphone here if anybody would like to speak. This is for you. Anybody like to say a few words? Phil, I know you. We are. We are. Is this on? Yep.

Good. We are the asiggo tree stewards. We started our work in uh about 20 years ago uh on the on the city's trees which are typically between the curb and the sidewalk. And so we have provided about 6,000 hours of professionalgrade tree care. That's trimming suckers and deadwood and just and giving the giving the trees a leg up. Did I do it? Yes. There was no round.

Well, all right. We do need help because we're getting older. I'm 80. The average age of the tree storage is about 72 and uh so we could use some people in their say late 60s who would provide young blood to it. We go out every Saturday that the weather's nice between April and October. And we've been doing this for about 20 years. And we pick a different street every year. I think this street we're going to do West 5th. And so next year it'll be West Six and so on. And what time do you do that?

Well, we do it we meet at 11:00 and you can find us on West 4th the Saturdays. This year we meet at from 11 to 1. We work two or we do something resembling work for two hours and we shifted one hour so that the people protesting on the bridge would also be able to join us. Okay. Did did I do anybody? And and we will be hanging this banner here in the chamber uh after tonight's ceremony. Uh some somebody forgot the poll, but we'll make sure it's up. Thank you very much.

Okay. Thank you. Amen. Okay. Next. Well, we have a smaller group for this presentation, but doesn't mean that it's not as important. So, uh, as I mentioned earlier, this is child abuse prevention month, April. So, uh, this is certainly an important topic. Uh, and I'm happy to highlight it and be part of this. Let me read this and then after that, uh, you're welcome to say a few, uh, words. Whereas, every child deserves to grow up in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment free from harm and neglect. And whereas child abuse prevention is a shared community responsibility requiring the collective efforts of individuals, families, organizations, and leaders to create a culture of care and protection for our children. Whereas raising awareness about child abuse prevention empowers communities to take proactive steps in strengthening families, equipping equipping caregivers with necessary resources and fostering positive environments that promote healthy childhood development. And whereas communities must make every effort to support and promote programs and initiatives that provide education, advocacy, and assistance to children and their families to prevent abuse before it occurs. And whereas effective child abuse prevention programs thrive through strong partnerships among governmental agencies, educational institutions,

faith-based organizations, healthc care providers, law enforcement, businesses, and community members. Whereas each and every individual has a role to play in recognizing, reporting, and preventing child abuse. And together we can create a future where all children feel safe, valued, and supported. Now therefore, I, Robert A. Corino, mayor of the city of Asiggo, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 as child abuse prevention month in the city of Asiggo. I urge all residents to join in this effort to protect our children, strengthen our families, and build a safer, more nurturing community for future generations. Thank you for your efforts.

Uh thank you, mayor. Thank you, council members. Um as the mayor said, uh this is child abuse prevention month. This is the 25th anniversary of the Child Advocacy Center. Um a lot has been accomplished in that 25 years, but there's so much more to do. Uh we need to work together. Our our slogan this year is stronger together, and I truly believe by working together, we can make a huge difference in our community. So, uh, join me in making that effort. I appreciate everyone being here and the mayor's support. Thank you.

All right. Thank you for all you do. Okay. 7:30 time for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Please call the role. Is honor the mayor? Here. Councelor Kennedy here. Councelor Ashlin here. Councelor Lensac here. Councelor Fitz Gibbons excused. Councelor Meyer here. Councelor Plunkett here. Councelor Thompson here. Six present, one excused.

Thank you. Uh I just have uh a couple things under the mayor's report. Um uh this past week uh was the annual Fitch Park Career Day and uh myself and Judge Tim Kerwin and Councelor Tim Plunkett attended and had a wonderful time uh uh with the children. Uh it started at about 9:15 and went to about 11 o'clock and uh the uh uh police dog Donnie was a big hit uh because the police department was there and uh Bur Motors brought a ATV which was even a bigger hit than the dog to the with the children. So uh I I do want to highlight that event. It's the ninth year that they've done that and it's a wonderful event to showcase uh to the children what we uh what careers there are out there. there were many businesses and and organizations that uh shared what they did. So, thanks to uh uh councelor Plunkett and uh city court judge Kerwin for joining me. Uh second item that I have uh is that uh a little uh uh nice event on Friday as well. Later in the day, uh, councelor Plunkin and I went over to Pontiac Nursing Home, and we celebrated the 100th birthday for a woman by the name of Doris Leon, a woman that, uh, lived all of her life in New Haven and has been residing at the Pontiac Nursing Home. And, uh, she was quite entertaining and a pistol. uh when I sat next to her uh I got a great opportunity to talk to her and uh she certainly uh is a woman that uh knows where she is and is proud of uh her family and heritage. Uh so it was a pleasure to talk to her and to meet the owners of Pontiac Nursing Home. Uh the third uh and final item that I wanted to share under the mayor's report um uh I just got back from uh the college just before the meeting started. uh uh the the event that I attended was the inaugural president's inclusive

excellence award ceremony. Uh and that uh ceremony highlighted and recognized seven individuals uh for uh their efforts in in in the uh inclusive area. Uh one of those people we happen to know and is in this u uh room uh Councilman uh Jonathan Ashline of the seventh ward. So, congratulations on on uh receiving that board and a round of applause for the council. That was the last item I had under the mayor's report. Uh I think we'll go right into the meeting. Please call resolution 87. Approve minutes common council meeting held March 23rd, 2026.

Councelor Plunkett. Councelor Thompson comments. Please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashlin, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer. Yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 88. Appoint Commissioner of Deeds. Councelor Ashine. Councelor Ldenac. Anybody having questions, concerns? Please call the role. Councelor Kennedy. Yes. Councelor Ashlin. Yes. Councelor Lensac. Yes. Councelor Meyer. Yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 89. Approve use of public space blanket authorization for the Oswiggo YMCA to install signs along city streets for annual events.

Councelor Meyer, Councelor Kennedy. Comments from the counselors. Seeing none, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashlin, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 90. Authorized use of public space as Swiggo Elks Club number 271 in order to install a new flag pole at 132 West Fifth Street. Councelor Plunkett, Councelor Ashine. Comments? Seeing none, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashlin, yes. Councelor Lawens, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkin, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601.

Call resolution 91. Approve use of public space as Swiggo City School District in order to place signage in support of student videography projects. Councelor Lensac. Councelor Thompson. Comments. Please call the role. Councelor Kennedy. Yes. Councelor Ashlin. Yes. Councelor Lensac. Yes. Councelor Meyer. Yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 92. Approve use of public space Fred Donabella in order to host the Frederick Leighton Elementary and Kingsford Elementary School's annual triathlon to be held on Sunday, June 7th, 2026. Councelor Meyer, Councelor Kennedy, comments, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashlin, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkin, yes. Councelor Thompson,

yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 93. Approve Frederick Leighton Elementary and Kensford Elementary School's annual triathlon fee waiver request. Councelor Plunkett, Councelor Meyer. Comments, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashlin, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601. Resolution 94. Approve use of public space. David Thompson, owner of Gibby's Irish Pub in order to host the Michelle Wink Memorial Golf Tournament afterparty to be held on Saturday, June 20th, 2026. Councelor Kennedy, Councelor Lensac. Any comments? Seeing none, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashlin, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes.

Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601. Please call resolution 95. Approve Michelle Wink Memorial Foundation Golf Tournament afterparty fee waiver request. Councelor Kennedy, Councelor Ashline comments. Please call the RO. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashline, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 96. Approve use of public space the Asiggo Music Hall in order to host a barbecue event to be held on Sunday, June 7th, 2026 along Lake Street between West 2nd and West Third Streets. Councelor Thompson. Councelor Kennedy. Comments, please call the RO. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashlin, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer,

yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 97. Approve a Swiggo Music Hall barbecue fee waiver request. Councelor Lensac. Councelor Meyer comments please call the role. Councelor Kennedy. Yes. Councelor Ashlin. Yes. Councelor Lensac. Yes. Councelor Meyer. Yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 98. Approve use of public space greater asiggo Fulton Chamber of Commerce in order to host the annual farmers market to be held throughout the summer. Councelor Plunkett. Councelor Thompson. Comments. Please call the role. Councelor Kennedy. Yes. Councelor Ashline. Yes. Councelor Lensac. Yes. Yes. Councelor Meyer. Yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson.

Yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 99. Approve farmers market fee waiver request. Councelor Kennedy. Councelor Lensac. Comments. Please call the role. Councelor Kennedy. Yes. Councelor Ashlin. Yes. Councelor Lensac. Yes. Councelor Meyer. Yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 100. Approve use of public space Eric Enright in order to host Francis Enright's 100th birthday party to be held on Saturday, June 20th, 2026 in Moncom Park. Councelor Ashline, Councelor Meyer, any comments? Please call the RO. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashine, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkin, yes.

Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 101. Motion to rescend resolution number 64 dated March 9th, 2026. Councelor Plunkett, Councelor Ashine. Comments, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashline, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 102. Approve use of public space at Swiggo YMCA in order to host the CNY Pumpkin Festival to be held Saturday, October 3rd through Sunday, October 4th, 2026. Councelor Thompson, Thompson, Councelor Kennedy, comments, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashine, yes.

Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 103, approve CNY pumpkin festival fee waiver request. Councelor Plunkett. Councelor Ashine comments, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashlin, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 104. Approve a Swiggo YMCA reindeer run fee waiver request. Councelor Ldenac. Councelor Meyer. Comments, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashine, yes. Councelor Lzac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes.

Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 105. Approve Asiggo YMCA Harborfest 5K fee waiver request. Councelor Kennedy. Councelor Lensac. Comments. Please call the role. Councelor Kennedy. Yes. Councelor Ashline. Yes. Councelor Lensac. Yes. Councelor Meyer. Yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 107. Approve Harbor Fest 2026 fee waiver request. Oh, that was 106, right? 106. 106. Sorry. 106, not 107. Uh, Councelor Plunkett. Councelor Kennedy. Comments. Please call the role. Councelor Kennedy. Yes. Councelor Ashlin. Yes. Councelor Lensac. Yes.

Councelor Meyer. Yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 107. Approve Asiggo County Pride Committee fee waiver request. Councelor Ldensac, Councelor Ashline, comments, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, abstain. Councelor Ashine, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plumpin, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 511. Call resolution 108. Approve super dirt week fee waiver request. Councelor Plunkett. Councelor Lensac comments, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashline, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett,

yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 109. Approve amusement license for the 2026 events at the Asiggo Speedway. Councelor Meyer. Councelor Kennedy. Comments. Please call the role. Councelor Kennedy. Yes. Councelor Ashlin. Yes. Councelor Lensac. Yes. Councelor Meyer. Yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes. Resolution passes 601. Call res resolution 110. Authorize public hearing proposed change of zone for properties located along Sheldon Avenue from a TN2 traditional neighborhood to to TB traditional business.

Before I ask for a motion, I just want to remind people uh and uh the speaker did uh u mention this that this is just to authorize a public hearing. Uh it's not a vote for yes or no. uh it's just for a public hearing which uh in this case uh both sides will have the opportunity to present their case and people from the neighborhood can talk. Uh so uh that's all it is. I just want to reinforce that that it's just to authorize a public hearing just to give the people an opportunity to speak. So with that said, can I have a motion please? Councelor Plunkett, Councelor Ashine, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy comments. Oh, I'm sorry. Got carried away. Comments. Yes. Uh which one councelor Meyer?

Uh I know this went to the uh uh planning board. I was at that meeting and my feeling on this is we have advisory committees. We all can't be uh every counselor can't be ex have expertise in every area of government. We have advisory committees for a reason. My feeling was that uh the uh planning board voted this down unanimously. um they have more expertise and more time than I do in this matter. Um so my feeling that's my feeling on the whole thing and you guys do what you want. All right. Anybody else? Councelor Thompson.

Yeah, my opinion is there's a proper way proper order to do things in and right now there's not a clear plan for these parcels and until there's a clear plan I don't think we should have a public hearing because it won't be um productive. Um thank you. Okay. All right. Uh, call the role. I don't think anybody else Oh, I'm sorry. Councelor L.

That's okay. Um, zoning regulations are designed to protect our residents and maintain trust in our community. And I think that in promoting a community that is a healthy neighborhood, it would be beneficial for us to really dig in deeper before we make a decision on this. So, uh, I'll ask the counselors, uh, do you want to vote on this or do you want to table this? I'm I'm okay with tableabling it. I don't know. There's three that didn't speak. So, I Council Kennedy,

I would feel more comfortable tableabling this for now. All right. I I don't get a vote. So, uh, do do you does somebody want to make a motion to table it? Councelor Thompson. Councelor Meyer. Uh, call call the role for tableabling this. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashline, yes. Councelor Lodac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. To table. Resolution passes. Resolution to table passes 601. All right. Thank you. Uh, call resolution 111. Grant waiver of the noise ordinance to David Thompson, owner of Gibby's Irish Pub located at 8 West 2nd Street, in order to have live music at his establishment during the summer months of June through September 2026.

Councelor Kennedy, Councelor Thompson, comments, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashlin, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 112. Grant waiver of the noise ordinance to Stacy Dawson of the Sting of Awiggo Incorporated located at 49 West Bridge Street in order to have live music at her establishment during the summer months of June through September 20126. Councelor Plunkett. Councelor Thompson comments, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashlin, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601. Resolution 113

accept donation of $600 from Vaulty Graphics to support the 2026 Cruise Line concert series. Councelor Lzac, Councelor Meyer, comments, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashline, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601. Resolution 114. Authorize mayor to execute change order number eight in the amount of $1,6861 with CNS companies for work associated with the West First Street Safety Improvements Project decreasing the total project cost.

Councelor Thompson, Council, Councelor Plunkett, Councelor Ashine. Sorry about that. Not that you look alike. Uh, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashline, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 115. Approve bond resolution $6 million to pay the cost of the lead water pipe replacement program. Councelor Thompson. Counsel Lensac. Comments. Please call the RO. Councelor Kennedy. Yes. Councelor Ashlin. Yes. Councelor Lensac. Yes. Councelor Meyer. Yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes.

Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 116. Approve reappoint of Matthew Broncado to the board of assessment review for a five-year term. Councelor Kennedy, Councelor Thompson, any comments, please call the RO. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashline, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 117. Appoint approve reappointment of Mark Bronswagger to the board of assessment review for a five-year term. Councelor Thomp Thompson. Councelor Plunkett. Comments. Please call the RO. Councelor Kennedy. Yes. Councelor Ashlin. Yes. Councelor Lacack. Yes. Councelor Meyer. Yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson.

Yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resolution 118. Authorize City Chamberlain to complete two transfers of funds in the total amount of $4,000 for miscellaneous expenses. Councelor Ashlin. Councelor Meyer. Comments. Please call the role. Councelor Kennedy. Yes. Councelor Ashline. Yes. Councelor Lawack. Yes. Councelor Meyer. Yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes. Resolution passes 601. Call resol resolution 119. Wave rules of common council to present resolutions number 120 through 125 from the floor without committee consideration. Councelor Plunkett. Councelor uh Loud and Sack, could you speak to this as far as um

Yeah.

Uh uh each of those uh resolutions has to do with uh the uh Ellen Street tank. It's uh simply a administrative uh issue. uh they were uh originally listed as a type one and it's supposed to be type two seeker and and uh to make sure that we can get the bonding and the money under the grant we had to make sure that uh it was uh done correctly as far as in the resolution. So basically it's re uh rescend and replace and just administrative uh it uh really uh has no uh no other effect other than making sure that the uh tees are crossed and the eyes are dotted uh to make sure that we can uh successfully receive the $5 million grant. Uh this uh as a counselor in the seventh ward for eight years, I know that that tank's been leaking for years. And I think you all know that uh the project is to uh take down the tank uh and repipe it and uh and tie it in to the Gardener Street tank. So that's all this is is resend and replace to make sure that the wording is correct so we can get the $5 million.

Thank you. Okay. Um please call the RO. Councelor Kennedy, no. Councelor Ashine, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, no. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 421. Call resolution 120. Motion to rescend resolution number 206 dated 711 2022. Councelor Ashlin, Councelor Plunkett, comments, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, no. Councelor Ashlin, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes. Resolution passes 511.

Call resolution 121. Motion to rescend resolution number 261 dated 822 2022. Councelor Ashline. Councelor Plunk. Comments. Please call the role. Councelor Kennedy. No. Councelor Ashlin. Yes. Councelor Lacack. Yes. Councelor Meyer. Yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes. Resolution passes 511. Call resolution 123. 122. 122. Motion to rescend resolution number 254 dated 8252025. Councelor Ashang. Councelor Plunkett. Any comments? Please call the role. Councelor Kennedy. No. Councelor Ashlin, yes. Councelor Lensac,

yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 511. Now call resolution 123. Designate interconnection of the Ellen Street HSZ and Gardener Hill HSZ as a type two action in accordance with the New York State codes rules and regulations. I have a motion. Councelor Plunkett, Councelor Ashine, comments, please call the RO. Councelor Kennedy abstain. Councelor Ashline. Yes. Councelor Lensac. Yes. Councelor Meyer. Yes. Councelor Plunkin. Yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes. Resolution passes 511. Call resolution 124.

Approve bond resolution 11,170,000 to pay the cost of construction of improvements to the water distribution system in and for the city of Asiggo. And this is uh again uh for the uh cost of the Ellen Street uh tank project. Uh 5 million of it uh is bond is a grant. Uh so we will be bonding for that. And as I said to the counselors earlier today in an email, uh that does the uh borrowing of that money and the bonding of that money does not affect our constitutional debt limit because it's an exempt uh issue. So can I have a motion? Councelor Plunkett. Councelor Ashline. Uh please call the role. Councelor Kennedy abstain. Councelor Ashline.

Yes. Councelor Lensac. Yes. Councelor Meyer. Yes. Councelor Plunkett. Yes. Councelor Thompson. Yes. Resolution passes 511. Please call resolution 125. Authorize mayor to enter into appointment agreement with Elizabeth Chestler for the city engineer position.

This is also an add-on as you saw and uh the reason why it's timesensitive. Uh and I did uh provide information to the councilors in regards to this as everybody knows probably in the room that uh our previous uh city engineer uh resigned back in January. We haven't had a permanent engineer uh since then. Uh we were lucky enough to uh get a retired engineer to fill in for us. Uh but that's a short term fix and uh we really need a permanent uh city engineer who can help us with infrastructure projects. I think uh all of you counselors after four months realize the fact that we have a lot of projects uh uh that we need to get done uh sewer, water, wastewater, freshwater, uh roads, uh bridges. it never ends. So having a permanent um engineer in place sooner than later is critical. So uh I'm sorry that I couldn't give you more time, but uh it's all you're doing is authorizing uh the salary at this point. And you all received the amount of salary and the salary was the exact same salary that uh we budgeted the last council budgeted for uh uh the 2026 uh budget uh for the city engineer. So, uh, this person will be, uh, receiving the same amount of money. Uh, are there, uh, any comments from the counselors? Uh, yes, councelor Meyer.

The only comment I have is usually when you start a job, you're not starting at the same salary that the the uh, previous uh, occupant starts had. So, that that's my issue with it. I I I feel that the salary should be cut because when we do uh uh contracts, the salary is only going to go up. So I I feel that a lower salary to build up to present salary is more uh fitting. Well, can I answer that one? Sure. Have you ever hired an engineer? Uh nope.

Okay. Uh we tried I've got some experience in this department. We tried last year when Jeff Hinderlighter was here and we tried to uh hire an assistant engineer for him and we uh realized quickly that uh the engineers that are graduating from college today are making significantly more than we can offer and it's a very competitive market. Uh any engineer uh uh that works in a private u uh firm can make a heck of a lot more than here. And um after that experience we realized that we needed to be competitive. The salary was fixed by the common council last year for this position. And I understand your position uh uh on this. However, uh in consult with our current interim engineer who was a a great resource in this search uh both he myself and um the u personnel director uh looked into this and with his experience which is I think 30 something years of experience and the knowledge that he has he said that the salary was comparable to what we should be offering. It wasn't too high. It wasn't too low for a firsttime person. The woman has 20 years of experience. And it's important for us to move forward. And uh this person uh I sent you the um the um information on the resume. Uh this person checks all the boxes including one that's very very important uh that people may not know uh that uh according to the city charter a city engineer has to live in the city of Asiggo. So given all those factors, uh the timing of it, uh the need and all the infrastructure needs, uh what we're getting, what we're paying is a bargain in my opinion after going through this last year for somebody in learning about it and also uh dealing with it and talking to uh our ter our current interim city engineers. So that's that's my rebuttal to your comment

and that's fine. Yeah, we're entitled to our opinions. Councelor Thompson,

I do have to agree with Councelor Meyer. Um I do think it's sort of on the high end. I would love to see the market data that was used to set that salary. Um that has not been provided to us. Um probably because we just got this at 3 p.m. today. Um I think we should give it more time to actually analyze the data, make sure that we're setting the right number. Maybe that number should be higher, maybe it should be lower, but we don't have the data in front of us to make an educated decision on this. We I also have some concerns that I see um this person um has a private business and is also working part-time elsewhere. Um I have questions related to that that I have not had a chance to get answered. Um so

I'd be happy to answer those. Sure. because again, we interviewed this person, the three of us, and I have the answers if you want them. I just assume get this resolved tonight. Uh, and I'm happy to have this conversation right now.

Well, I still haven't seen the market data, so I don't think you're going to satisfy that part tonight, but I'd like to know um is there like a non-compete clause um being in this offer where they can't operate their own business on the side as well as work for another company part-time? Well, uh again, uh during the negotiations on this, um we uh discussed uh the fact that this person has uh her own engineering company. She has several outstanding jobs that she's working on and uh that she will be finishing up in the next couple weeks and she will be devoting 100% of her time to the city of Asiggo city engineer job.

Okay? So, that means she she won't be doing the part-time job that she was working. Let's put it this way. There are plenty of people uh who um have jobs uh in any amount of uh sectors that may have a part-time job doing uh grass cutting, painting, uh contracting. Uh this is a free country and it's not in the contract that she cannot uh uh have a job after 5:00 doing some type of engineering work. But I think uh this job is all-encompassing. And if I know anything after uh discussing this with the uh our previous engineer that the job entails a lot of time and effort that a person who has this job would probably not have a lot of time to go out and seek other positions. I can't emphasize more strongly that it's important imperative to get this moving forward. Uh, and I'm not sure that uh delaying it because you're looking for empirical data on uh the salary structure of engineers in the central New York area is is really that critical to this position. It's more important to get this this job taken care of. John Trimble, who is the interim, is leaving soon. And you people don't deal with this on day-to-day basis. I do. Uh the codes department, DPW does on a day-to-day basis. And without a city engineer, this city will not shut down, but it will hinder our progress. And I'm sorry. I just don't see why you would want to slow this process down. Uh especially given the fact that in today's industry, do you know there's studies been done that women are paid about 97 cents to the dollar to men? And I think it's it's abdominal. It's terrible that somebody would say that the woman that is going to take this job is not worth as much as the man who had the job before her. So, I know you're not insinuating that, but

I think it's terrible to make that inference that you're not worth the price that the previous engineer earned. And that's my comment on that. Anybody else have any comments? Council Meer, I think that discussions like this when something comes in this late, I think it's beneficial for everyone. Now we're on camera. People are watching at home and they can see discussion and I asked a question, you answered it. Shane answered the question, you answered it. However, the people at home didn't know these the answers to these questions unless we ask them. So I think I think discussion on on topics like this is beneficial for everybody. That's just my my comment.

As I said, it's a it's a simple request just to authorize the salary that the previous person had. Uh, I don't really think it needs to have that much uh, discussion. Either you think she's worth it or you don't. Uh, and I really don't think it's necessary to have any more conversations on it. I am the the first person that wants to make sure that we're transparent to the public and to the viewers who are watching here. But again, it's a simple request. Pay this woman the same amount that the previous male had. And if you can't see that as a simple request, then I don't know what else I can say about that. Council Lensac, I was just curious. Do we hire everyone in at the previous um leaving parties salary? I'm sorry, say that again.

Do we hire everyone in that is replacing a previous person at their previous salary? The city engineer position? No. Any position? Any position in the city? Uh for employment contracts? Yes. Okay. I was just curious. I didn't know. So, well, I've been in this position position for two years and yes, that's been the case for the last two years and four months. Okay. Any other uh comments? Okay. Can I have a motion? Councelor Plunkett. Councelor Ashline, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashine, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson,

yes. Resolution passes 601. Thank you. Uh that was the last item on the agenda. Is there any unfinished business? um from the council. Seeing none, can I have a motion to adjurnn? Councelor Ashlin, Councelor Funkit, please call the role. Councelor Kennedy, yes. Councelor Ashine, yes. Councelor Lensac, yes. Councelor Meyer, yes. Councelor Plunkett, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. Resolution passes 601. Still got to bang the gabble,